Chief Software Architect in Maidenhead

Join the team redefining defence technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programmes that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defence.

Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

The Ultra Engineering function manages a portfolio of specialist capabilities, generating highly differentiated solutions and products by applying electronic, mechanical, and software technologies in demanding and critical environments to meet customer needs. The Software Engineering function in Ultra supports the software development lifecycle consisting of requirements analysis, design, implementation, test and verification in order to deliver software components into projects and products and supports the deployment and maintenance of software components.

An individual in this role provides technical leadership and oversight of software development processes, architectures, designs and implementations across multiple projects within the Cyber UK Business Unit.

• Provide technical direction and exert technical influence across multiple projects, such that the optimal approach, architecture, design, code re-use and tool chain are selected.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, develop software requirements, architectures and designs that satisfy the system and security requirements, and design parameters and constraints, in order that a high quality, modular, compliant and timely approach is taken.
• Work with software leads on a range of projects ensuring alignment to company processes and standards are maintained.
• Create development plans to deliver / demonstrate value as early as possible to the customer.
• Work closely with the system architects and the wider systems engineering team to ensure design consistency, design modularity and design re-use, with a focus on technical excellence and process improvement enabling the creation of a high-quality library of re-usable components.
• Apply object-oriented design techniques to enable code re-use and integration with testing frameworks.
• Specify, architect, design, document, review and maintain the software design using UML and SysML modelling tools such as RSA and Enterprise Architect.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of best practice development and project engineering processes, language standards and tools, e.g. TDD/BDD, Continuous Integration, DevOps, DevSecOps, static and run-time analysis tools, C#, C++, Rust standards and secure software development.
• Propose improvements in tools, processes and techniques that support quality and innovation and make the software development more efficient and effective.
• Mentor and coach less experienced engineers; share knowledge willingly and constructively.
• Review and sign off significant technical documents; frequently chair technical reviews for significant deliverables.
• Generate and review technical proposals, and provide estimates for the associated effort, costs, and risks, for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
• Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.

Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge and experience of at least one of the following: C/C++, Rust, embedded product development (including RTOSes), Windows and Linux application and driver development.
• Expert knowledge of software engineering practices, methodologies, processes, techniques and technology trends.
• Track record of delivering complex software solutions to schedule and meeting / exceeding customer needs.
• Experience of version control, change control and bug tracking tools and systems, including administration tasks.
• Experience of defining and rolling out best practice firmware development processes/lifecycles.
• Experience of defining and rolling out continuous integration and automated test tools and frameworks.
• Experience of deploying coding standards for defence, space or air worthiness techniques and standards such as MISRA.
• Sound knowledge of crypto design / implementation and High Grade/High Assurance development processes.
• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject.

Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance.

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role.

Our Benefits: Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement: At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer.