Chief Software Architect

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 will provide technical leadership and oversight to the software engineering team of 20-30 software engineers. Define and roll out best practice processes and tools in terms of software development and ensure close collaboration with the hardware, systems and firmware development teams. Direct embedded and application software definition and requirements analysis, architecture, design, implementation, documentation and testing of embedded and application software for the software element(s) of multi discipline development programmes.

• 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.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to develop software requirements, architectures and designs that satisfy the system and security requirements, and design parameters and constraints, ensuring a high quality, modular, compliant and timely approach.
• Work with the software leads on a range of projects ensuring alignment to company processes and standards are maintained.
• Create development plans with software leads, engineering project leads and project managers to deliver or demonstrate value as early as possible to the customer.
• Work in a consultative approach across projects to help resolve issues with architecture, coding, or design in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the system architects and the wider systems engineering team to ensure design consistency, modularity and re use, focusing on technical excellence and process improvement and enabling a high quality library of reusable 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, ensuring the model can be used for accurate code generation as required.
• 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, where appropriate.
• Actively contribute to the software community of practice, sharing new tools and techniques to advance the knowledge and efficiency of the software team.
• 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.
• Explain technically complex concepts clearly to less technical or involved parties.
• Generate and review technical proposals, and provide estimates for the associated effort, costs and risks for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
• May manage a team of up to four engineers.
• Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.

SFIA Programming / Software Development: Levels 2-5. SFIA Programming / Software Development: Level 6. Develop organisational policies, standards and guidelines for software construction and refactoring. Plan and lead software construction activities for strategic, large and complex development projects. Adapt or develop new methods, organisational capabilities and drive adoption of, and adherence to, policies and standards.

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 on schedule and meeting or exceeding customer needs.

Experience with version control, change control and bug tracking tools and systems, including administrative tasks.

Experience defining and rolling out best practice firmware development processes/lifecycles, continuous integration and automated test tools and frameworks.

Experience deploying coding standards for defence, space or air worthiness techniques and standards such as MISRA.

Experience in DOORS, UML and SysML is advantageous.

Sound knowledge of crypto design/implementation and high grade, high assurance development processes.

Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science based subject.

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.

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.

• 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 Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Security Clearance Allowance - where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible.