Mission freelance Software Development Lead

Our client in defence is looking for a Software Development Lead to be based on average 2-3 days per week in Corsham with work from home. This would be an initial contract until the end of March 2026 with strong scope for long term extensions. Candidates would require an active SC or DV clearance before starting the position.

Responsibilities
* Architect and design the integration strategy and solutions for COTS and in-house developed software applications.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, engineers, and stakeholders, to understand software requirements and define integration needs.
* Conduct thorough analysis of existing software systems and identify integration points, dependencies, and potential challenges.
* Develop architectural patterns and best practices for integrating COTS and in-house developed software, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and maintainability.
* Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams during the implementation of integration solutions.
* Evaluate and select appropriate integration technologies, frameworks, and tools based on project requirements and industry best practices.
* Ensure compliance with architectural standards, guidelines, and quality assurance processes interlocking with the NSoIT(D) Design Office
* Conduct performance analysis and optimization of integrated systems to ensure optimal efficiency and response times.
* Collaborate with vendors and third-party providers to ensure successful integration of COTS software into the existing software ecosystem.
* Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in software integration and architectural patterns, and apply them effectively to enhance our integration capabilities.

Essential skills, qualifications, and experience
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent and relevant experience will be taken into account.
* Proven experience (5+ years) as a Software Developer with a focus on software integration including Python, C#, Powershell and CI/CD pipelines
* Knowledge of architectural patterns and best practices for software integration, such as Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), Microservices, ESB (Enterprise Service Bus), API (Application Programming Interface) design, etc.
* Strong expertise in designing and implementing integration solutions for COTS and in-house developed software, ensuring seamless data exchange and system interoperability.
* Familiarity with containerisation technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
* Solid understanding of Enterprise IT patterns, orchestration and lifecycle management.
* Working with VMware products, SDDC, IaaS (Ansible, Terraform) and virtualised systems
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex systems and identify integration requirements and challenges.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
* Working with software development methodologies, such as Agile or DevOps


Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.

Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.