At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and govern software architecture for cutting-edge autonomous systems.
- Company: Leading provider of counter-mine and combat engineering systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, hybrid work, and relocation package.
- Other info: Dynamic R&D environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a high-growth tech company and shape the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: Strong background in software architecture and experience with C/C++ and Python.
Software Solutions Architect - Autonomous & Robotic Systems
£80,000 + Bonus (OTE £100,000+)
Newcastle upon Tyne, Hybrid 3/2, Relocation Package Available
KO2's client is one of the world's leading providers of counter-mine and combat engineering systems, supplying complex autonomous and remote-controlled equipment to military end users globally. With a £3m R&D investment programme underway and an ambitious roadmap to become the world number one for Autonomous Combat Engineering Systems, this is a rare opportunity to join at the architectural heart of that journey.
The Role
This is a senior, architecture-level position within the R&D function, reporting to the Head of R&D. You will not be the primary coder. You will be the person who designs and governs the software architecture and CI/CD process that the engineering team builds within. You will own the framework that ensures software developed across robotics payloads, vehicle automation, computer vision, sensor integration, digital twins and simulation is scalable, maintainable, compliant and defensible to safety-critical standards.
Critically, this is an R&D environment. You will need the pragmatism to allow a first-off prototype to move forward on the right evidential path without demanding full compliance upfront, while ensuring the architecture and process in place can scale to full qualification when required.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Defining and implementing end-to-end software architecture and CI/CD pipelines for remote and autonomous systems.
- Establishing unit testing, verification and validation processes, and building the body of evidence required to satisfy defence safety-critical standards.
- Integrating software architecture across control systems, computer vision, sensor fusion, simulation and digital twin platforms.
- Supporting final system integration, commissioning and real-world field trials with global military end users.
Skills and Experience Required
- You will have a strong background in software architecture design and implementation for safety-critical or compliance-driven systems.
- Hands-on experience with C/C++ and Python in Linux real-time environments is essential, as is the ability to read electrical schematics and work across hardware and software boundaries.
- Experience implementing CI/CD processes for safety-critical software is required.
- Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 is advantageous, and experience with machine learning, OpenCV or CODESYS/PLC environments is beneficial.
- A background in automotive safety systems, defence, robotics or autonomous vehicle development would be highly relevant.
- Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent to a 2:1 minimum.
The Package
Basic salary of £80,000, with an annual bonus scheme that realistically returns 30% in a solid year, taking total cash comfortably into six figures, with a maximum potential of 40%. An 8% matched pension, free breakfast and lunch in the on-site canteen daily, and a 35 hour working week with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on-site, Monday and Friday from home, and a half day finish on Fridays. A £5,000 relocation allowance is available for the right candidate. Security clearance is required and will be company supported.
If you are an experienced Software Architect who has governed CI/CD and safety-critical software processes in a complex engineering environment and want to shape something from the ground up in a high-growth defence technology business, we would like to hear from you.
Contact KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions in confidence, specialists in electronics and embedded engineering.
Software Solution Architect employer: KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
Join a pioneering company at the forefront of defence technology, where innovation meets opportunity in a collaborative R&D environment. With a competitive salary package, generous bonuses, and a strong focus on employee growth, you will thrive in a culture that values creativity and pragmatism. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, enjoy a hybrid working model, excellent benefits including daily meals, and a supportive relocation package, making this an exceptional place to advance your career as a Software Solutions Architect.
Contact Details:
KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Solution Architect
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
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✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
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We think you need these skills to ace Software Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
