Software Architect (SC Cleared) (IT)

At CGI, we deliver secure, mission-critical solutions that help our clients operate with confidence in complex environments. As a Software Architect, you will act as the design authority for the Service Management platform, shaping the technical direction of the solution while ensuring its security, resilience, and long-term success. Working closely with technical and business stakeholders, you will drive architectural decisions, oversee system enhancements, and provide leadership across the software lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Software Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, or Architect looking to take the next step into a senior architecture role where they can influence strategy, innovation, and delivery. CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK ?Best Employer? by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you?ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We?ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go. Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This role is based on-site in Reading, 5 days per week. Candidate profile: As the Software Architect and Design Authority for the Service Management platform, you will take ownership of the technical solution, ensuring it remains secure, scalable, and aligned to business and operational requirements. You will lead the architectural design and analysis of system enhancements, maintain ownership of the requirements and functional baseline, and provide governance for technical changes across the solution. Working closely with business, delivery, development, and operational teams, you will guide architectural decision-making, support the delivery of software and infrastructure changes, and provide technical leadership across incidents, problems, and enhancements. You will also be responsible for maintaining the project's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), ensuring the ongoing security and integrity of the environment. Key responsibilities:

• Lead & Govern architectural design, analysis, and technical decision-making
• Own & Maintain the technical solution, requirements, and functional baseline
• Review & Approve system changes, enhancements, and architectural updates
• Secure & Protect the integrity of the platform through effective security governance
• Manage & Maintain Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) services
• Analyse & Validate functional and non-functional requirements
• Support & Mentor development and operational teams through design reviews and technical guidance
• Collaborate & Communicate with business, delivery, and operational stakeholders
• Identify & Address architectural risks, dependencies, and improvement opportunities
• Evaluate & Adopt emerging technologies, methodologies, and best practices

Required qualifications to be successful in this role To be successful in this role, you will have strong software architecture experience and a proven ability to design, govern, and support secure enterprise solutions. You should be comfortable engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, translating business requirements into technical solutions, and providing leadership across the software development lifecycle. Experience working within secure or regulated environments would be highly advantageous. Essential qualifications and experience:

• Proven experience as a Software Architect, Solution Architect, Senior Software Engineer, or similar technical leadership role
• Strong understanding of software architecture principles, design patterns, and system modelling techniques
• Experience analysing and validating functional and non-functional requirements
• Ability to make and govern architectural decisions across complex software solutions
• Experience supporting software delivery, operational support, and continuous improvement activities
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Knowledge of systems integration and enterprise architecture concepts
• Experience conducting technical reviews, documentation authoring, and architecture governance
• Understanding of software development technologies, frameworks, and deployment environments
• Eligibility to obtain or hold UK Security Clearance

Desirable experience:

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) administration and management
• Experience within secure, defence, government, or highly regulated environments
• Background in software development, infrastructure engineering, or systems engineering
• Knowledge of modern development methodologies and DevSecOps practices

Location: Reading Working Pattern: 5 days per week on-site

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