Software Architect

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Software Architect

Belfast – Hybrid working module

Thales (Belfast) is seeking a Software Architect to work on advanced integrated air defence and military management information systems. The role involves collaborating within an integrated project team and gaining experience across the entire software development lifecycle

Role and Responsibilities

Software Architect Responsibilities:

• Lead Agile teams, define technical vision, and ensure alignment.
• Manage architecture studies across project lifecycles.
• Approve technical choices, ensuring standards and policies are met.
• Document architectural decisions and trade-offs.
• Support, coach, and mentor development teams.
• Share knowledge through articles, webinars, and peer reviews.
• Monitor tech trends and identify innovation opportunities.
• Set and track code quality standards and coding practices.
• Drive technical solutions and focus on non-functional requirements.
• Align Development and DevOps priorities.
• Oversee security and commercial impacts of developments.

Your Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience across the full software engineering lifecycle (traditional and Agile), including operational deployment with modern tools.
• Proven multi-stakeholder change management in complex environments.
• Experience delivering software for system and system-of-systems programmes.
• Knowledge of architectural modeling techniques and tools.
• Strong influencing skills in matrix organizations; fosters open, innovative environments.
• Familiar with engineering processes and solution definition.
• Proficient with Agile (Scrum, SAFe, LeSS), Lean engineering, and DevOps cultures.
• Skilled in managing performance, robustness, safety, and cybersecurity.
• Knowledgeable in design patterns and reusable architecture aligned with product policies.
• Expert in software design, domain-specific technologies, and compliance (COTS/OSS licensing, IP, GDPR).
• Strong collaboration skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

Performance-related bonus

Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00

28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

24 hours volunteering paid for

Private healthcare (grade dependent)

Pension scheme

Life cover

24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

Gym membership discounts

You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group

Connect with Fiona Tal, Talent Acquisition Partner #LI-FT1 who is eager to explore together with you this exciting opportunity.

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!