Solution Architect

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 life cycle.
• 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 (eg, Java, .NET, Python, or similar).
• Deep understanding of modern architectural patterns (eg, 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.