Principal Software Architect

Job Summary

SPX is a global leader in detection and measurement. As an experienced and pragmatic Principal Software Architect, you will define and drive the technical vision for our evolving software ecosystem. You will shape how our hardware and firmware platforms integrate with cloud, mobile and desktop applications, ensuring a coherent, scalable and maintainable architecture across the organization.

• Architecture Vision & System Design – Define and evolve a clear end‑to‑end architecture across firmware, cloud, mobile and desktop; own system architecture, design principles, boundaries and integration patterns; ensure scalability, maintainability, product evolution and alignment with business strategy.
• Technology Strategy & Standards – Define and maintain a coherent technology strategy across the software organization; establish an aligned technology stack; evaluate trade‑offs; agree on adoption paths and avoid fragmentation.
• Architectural Governance & Decision Authority – Own architectural integrity; review major design decisions; enforce standards and guardrails; resolve conflicts; capture deviations as technical debt.
• Current State Assessment & Transformation Roadmap – Build a clear understanding of the current landscape; document current architecture, gaps, risks and constraints; propose migration or retirement plans; ensure realistic and incremental transition aligned with delivery priorities.
• Cross‑Domain Alignment & Delivery Support – Support delivery by ensuring system‑level clarity; coordinate with program managers and product owners; clarify behavior constraints; reduce late‑stage integration issues.
• Hands‑On Prototyping & Technical Validation – Validate architectural ideas through lightweight proofs of concept; use modern tooling, including AI‑assisted development; test feasibility before wider adoption.
• Communication & Influence – Communicate architectural concepts clearly to executive stakeholders, engineering leadership and technical teams; translate complex ideas for each audience; gather and incorporate feedback.

The Principal Software Architect does NOT own backlog creation, sprint execution, project or program management, or replace domain technical leadership. It DOES own system‑level architecture and design principles and governance, enabling delivery through clarity.

Clear, adopted target architecture; reduced integration issues; consistent technology choices; improved system coherence across firmware, cloud and applications; visible reduction in architectural ambiguity; progress on legacy system simplification.

• 15+ years software engineering with significant architectural experience.
• Proven distributed systems design across cloud and application layers.
• Strong experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, AWS or GCP) across multiple services.
• Experience integrating hardware or embedded systems with cloud‑based platforms.
• Strong understanding of modern software architecture patterns and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams.
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Hardware‑software or IoT environments.
• Exposure to mobile and SDK‑based architectures.
• Experience modernising or migrating legacy systems.
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted development approaches.
• Track record of delivering pragmatic, implementable architecture.

Hybrid role with a strong on‑site presence expected (typically 3 days per week in Bristol). High level of engagement with engineering teams required.

• Competitive and performance‑based compensation packages and bonus plans.
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs and recognition programs.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to selection decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.