Job Title: Contract Solutions Architect - Software Focus (SC Cleared)

Location: Hybrid (Remote & Ad Hoc Leeds/Manchester/London)

Contract Type: Contract

IR35: Inside

Duration: 6 Months +

Rate: 450-525 (DOE)

Clearance Required: Active SC Clearance

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Solutions Architect with a strong software engineering background to join a high-profile UK Government department on a contract basis. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical digital transformation initiatives that impact millions of citizens.

You will be responsible for designing and delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions across a range of government services. Working closely with delivery teams, stakeholders, and technical leads, you'll ensure architectural integrity and alignment with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design of end-to-end software solutions across complex systems and services.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define architecture patterns, principles, and standards.
Ensure solutions are secure, performant, and compliant with government regulations.
Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the software development lifecycle.
Translate business requirements into robust technical designs.
Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate architectural decisions and trade-offs.

Essential Skills & Experience

Active SC Clearance (must be currently valid).
Proven experience as a Solutions Architect in large-scale software environments.
Strong background in software engineering (e.g., Java, .NET, Python, or similar).
Deep understanding of modern architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, event-driven, API-first).
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Desirable

Experience working within UK Government or public sector environments.
Knowledge of GDS standards and service design principles.
Exposure to Agile delivery methodologies.

Solution Architect