Software Architect
Location: Newcastle, UK (Hybrid – 60% Onsite)
Contract Duration: 12 Months rolling contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 60% Onsite
Employment Type: Contract
Candidate Pay Rate: Up to £60/hour (Inside IR35)
Security Clearance Requirement
Candidates with current SC Clearance are preferred; however, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
Important Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a current sole British National.
- Hold a valid British Passport.
- Not possess dual nationality in any form.
- Be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
- Current SC Clearance is highly desirable.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Software Architect to join a leading Defence & Space programme based in Newcastle.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing secure, scalable, and maintainable software architectures for complex cloud-based and geospatial systems. You will collaborate closely with System Architects, Software Engineers, Product Owners, and Test Teams to deliver robust technical solutions that meet demanding operational and security requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity for an architecture professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while working within a highly regulated, mission-critical environment.
Your Mission
To define and deliver modern software architectures that enable secure, resilient, and scalable enterprise applications while supporting innovation and engineering excellence across cloud-native and geospatial platforms.
Key Responsibilities
1. Software Architecture & Solution Design
- Design scalable, secure, and maintainable software architectures for enterprise applications and cloud-based systems.
- Develop architectural frameworks and technical strategies aligned with business and programme objectives.
- Apply modern software design principles, patterns, and best practices to complex solutions.
- Ensure architectural decisions support performance, scalability, reliability, and long-term maintainability.
2. Cloud & Enterprise Technologies
- Design cloud-native solutions leveraging AWS and/or Azure platforms.
- Define architectures that support microservices-based deployments and distributed systems.
- Promote secure-by-design principles across cloud infrastructure and application components.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with System Architects, Software Engineers, Product Owners, and Test Teams throughout the delivery lifecycle.
- Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance during design reviews and implementation activities.
- Support Agile delivery teams in translating business requirements into technical solutions.
4. Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure solutions comply with security, reliability, and compliance standards.
- Advocate DevSecOps principles throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Contribute to architectural governance, technical documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Skills & Experience Technical Expertise
- Proven experience working as a Software Architect or Senior Solution Architect.
- Strong experience designing cloud architectures using AWS and/or Azure.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing complex enterprise software solutions.
- Deep understanding of software design patterns, microservices architecture, and modern architectural practices.
- Knowledge of DevSecOps methodologies, security principles, reliability engineering, and compliance frameworks.
- Experience working within Agile software delivery environments.
Preferred Industry Experience
Candidates with experience in the following sectors will be particularly well suited:
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Space
- Other highly regulated engineering or technology industries
Experience within the geospatial domain is considered a strong advantage.
Why Join This Opportunity?
- Contribute to high-impact Defence & Space programmes delivering mission-critical capabilities.
- Design innovative software architectures using modern cloud technologies.
- Work alongside multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative Agile environment.
- Influence technical direction and architectural strategy across complex enterprise systems.
- Opportunity to work on long-term programmes with potential contract extensions.
Location Requirement
This position is based in Newcastle, UK, operating under a hybrid working model requiring 60% onsite attendance.
Candidates must satisfy the stated nationality and security clearance eligibility requirements to be considered for this opportunity.
If you are passionate about designing secure, scalable, and innovative software solutions within a mission-critical environment, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £40.00-£55.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Are you a sole British National with no dual nationality?
- Do you hold a valid British Passport?
- Are you eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)?
- Do you currently hold active UK Security Clearance (SC)?
- Do you have at least 5 years of experience working as a Software Architect or Senior Solution Architect?
- Do you have hands-on experience designing cloud-based solutions using AWS and/or Microsoft Azure?
- Do you have experience designing enterprise software architectures using microservices and modern architectural patterns?
- Have you worked within an Agile software development environment, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams?
- Do you have experience applying DevSecOps principles and designing secure, scalable, and reliable software solutions?
- Are you able and willing to work in Newcastle under a hybrid model requiring approximately 60% onsite attendance?
Work Location: In person
