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Role: Solution Architect - Defence & Cloud Systems

We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to join a dynamic and forward-thinking technology consultancy. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex, secure environments and enjoys applying systems thinking to deliver innovative, scalable solutions across defence, national security, and enterprise domains.

As a Solution Architect, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, integration, and delivery of technical solutions. You'll work closely with clients and internal teams to understand requirements, define architectures, and guide implementation through the full lifecycle-from concept to acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Technical Leadership
Understand client requirements and pain points, provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME), and apply best practice systems thinking to develop effective solutions.

Architecture Design & Documentation
Define and model "As-Is" and "To-Be" states of services, systems, and enterprises. Produce High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) that align with business and technical goals.

Requirements Management
Elicit, document, and manage user, service, and system requirements throughout the programme lifecycle. Define measures of effectiveness, performance, and acceptance criteria.

Solution Options Analysis
Lead technical options analysis, presenting viable solutions that meet requirements at both threshold and objective levels.

Testing & Validation
Develop overarching test strategies and plans. Generate test scripts and lead verification, validation, and acceptance activities with stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Collaboration
Manage technical teams of architects and integrators. Foster collaboration across disciplines to ensure cohesive and high-quality delivery.

Stakeholder Communication
Present complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Build trust and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Technical Skills & Experience

Essential Skills

Proven experience in systems engineering and solution architecture
Strong background in requirements management, including use cases and user stories
Expertise in producing HLDs, LLDs, and other design artefacts
Experience with test strategy, evaluation, and acceptance planning
Familiarity with verification & validation processes

Architecture Modelling

Proficiency in industry frameworks such as TOGAF, ArchiMate, and UML
Experience in enterprise architecture and solution architecture modelling

Domain Knowledge

Minimum 7+ years' experience as a Solution Architect
Experience with Defence ICT systems, including secure cloud hosting environments
Understanding of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies
Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), virtualisation, and AI technologies
Experience with containerisation and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Familiarity with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) delivery methodologies

Qualifications & Clearance

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent experience
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS/Azure Architect)
Active SC clearance or higher is required
Must be a UK national

What's on Offer

Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
Generous pension scheme and life assurance
25 days annual leave plus additional leave for military reservists and volunteering
Private healthcare via (email address removed)
Flexible working arrangements - remote or office-based
Access to the latest secure technologies
Investment in personal development and career progression
Relocation bonus available for graduatesTo find out more about Computer Futures please visit

Computer Futures, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales