Job Specification: Technical Architect (Defence Sector)

Job Title

Technical Architect – Infrastructure & Platforms (Defence)

Location

UK (Hybrid / Onsite at secure Defence locations as required)

Security Clearance

SC required (or willingness to undergo clearance)

Role Purpose

The Technical Architect is responsible for the design, and assurance of secure, resilient IT architectures across Defence environments. The role spans networks, servers, end user compute, server‑based applications and shared services, ensuring solutions meet operational, security, and regulatory requirements aligned with Defence standards.

The role works closely with Defence customers, delivery teams, suppliers and security stakeholders to translate operational needs into compliant technical solutions. You will be hands-on giving technical leadership and delivering architectural design.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Define end‑to‑end technical architectures covering:
• Enterprise and tactical networks
• Server platforms (physical, virtual and private cloud)
• End User Compute (EUC) including desktops, laptops, rugged devices and VDI
• Server‑based applications and shared infrastructure services
• Produce architecture artefacts including:
• High‑ and low‑level designs (HLD/LLD)
• Network and infrastructure diagrams
• Technology roadmaps and standards
• Ensure architectures are secure by design, resilient, supportable and scalable.

Defence & Security Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• MOD policies and JSPs (e.g. JSP 604, JSP 440)
• NCSC security principles
• Defence accreditation and assurance processes
• Support risk assessments, security design reviews and accreditation evidence.
• Embed data classification, protective marking and segregation requirements.

Governance & Assurance

• Act as a technical authority for infrastructure and platform solutions.
• Review and assure supplier and internal designs for compliance and quality.
• Contribute to Architecture Review Boards (ARBs) and design governance forums.

Delivery & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with project and service teams through design, build, test and transition.
• Collaborate with:
• Programme managers
• Cyber security teams
• Service management and operations
• Commercial and supplier partners
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers and junior architects.

Service & Lifecycle Management

• Support live services, including technology refresh and obsolescence management.
• Ensure designs align with ITIL‑based service models and operational support.
• Contribute to incident root cause analysis and continuous service improvement.

Technical Skills & Experience

Network Architecture

• Enterprise LAN/WAN architectures
• Secure gateways, firewalls and remote access
• Network segmentation and cross‑domain considerations
• Experience with resilient and high‑availability designs

Server & Platform Infrastructure

• Physical and virtual server platforms (e.g. VMware, Hyper‑V)
• OS platforms (Windows Server, Linux)
• Storage and backup technologies
• Private cloud and platform services (IaaS‑style environments)

End User Compute (EUC)

• Defence‑grade desktop and laptop solutions
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• Endpoint security, device control and patching
• User identity and access management integration

Server‑Based Applications & Services

• Hosting and integration of business‑critical applications
• Middleware, directory services and core infrastructure services
• Application resilience and performance considerations

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a Technical Architect or Senior Infrastructure Architect
• Experience delivering solutions in Defence, government or highly regulated environments
• Strong understanding of security‑driven architecture
• Experience working through full solution lifecycles

Desirable

• TOGAF or equivalent architecture framework certification
• ITIL Foundation or higher
• Vendor certifications (e.g. Microsoft, Palo Alto, VMware)
• Experience working on classified or mission‑critical systems

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Clear communicator, able to explain complex concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Comfortable working in structured, security‑conscious environments
• Pragmatic, delivery‑focused and detail‑oriented