Head of Software Architecture

About the role

The Head of Software Architecture will lead, align, and govern architectural workstreams across C2, Perception, and Autonomy to deliver a unified engineering strategy. This high-impact leadership role involves setting the architectural direction for the software ecosystem, ensuring cross-domain coherence, and providing systems-engineering rigor for mission-critical autonomous platforms. You will own the architecture, mentor senior engineers, and drive technical compliance in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

Responsibilities

• Define the V-Model process, lead requirements engineering, and direct V&V planning.
• Guide stakeholders toward common architectural solutions across the product portfolio.
• Identify conflicts between hardware and software to drive alignment across C2, Perception, Autonomy, and Embedded teams.
• Design communication pathways and collaboration patterns to ensure architectural integrity.
• Champion Modern C++ Safety Guidelines and mentor teams on building reliable, safety-critical systems.
• Define and govern software interfaces across the stack to ensure interoperability.
• Lead V-Model enforcement, V&V, and QA processes while managing technical compliance and audit documentation.
• Head the Software Architecture community of practice and lead a dedicated V&V and QA team.

Required skills

• Software Architecture
• Systems Engineering
• C++
• V-Model
• V&V
• QA
• Cross-team leadership
• Technical compliance
• Safety-critical systems
• Minerva Edge

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Principal, Staff+, or equivalent architectural roles
• Background in aerospace, defence, robotics, or complex hardware/software systems
• Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance

Certifications

• ISTQB
• IEC 61508
• ISO 27001
• AQAP
• DeumilSAA
• STANAGs

About the Company

Stark is a defence technology company that equips NATO Allies and partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and AI-driven software. They combine elite engineering talent with agile technology to turn complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.