Cloud Architect - National Security Division

Forwardrole; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking experienced Cloud Architects for the National Security ecosystem across various UK locations. These hands-on roles focus on developing secure cloud strategies and systems. Candidates should have active clearance, strong communication skills, and a mission-focused mindset. This opportunity offers competitive compensation and optimal career support.

Benefits

Incremental uplift on your package

Relocation support for Defence hubs

Rapid progression opportunities

Great working environments

Qualifications

• Active clearance to work in the National Security domain.
• Strong communicators who enjoy working with customers and stakeholders.
• Engineers who can balance delivery with governance and security.

Responsibilities

• Shape cloud strategy and standards for high-side architectures.
• Deliver secure, scalable solutions that support mission objectives.

Skills

Cloud services (AWS or Azure)

Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN)

Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)

Containerisation & orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)

CI/CD exposure with secure DevOps practices

Cloud security & risk management

Job description

September/October is that time of year when the market shifts.

Contracts have been awarded, budgets are being reviewed, and teams are scaling — creating new opportunities for those with the right clearance.

The clients we’re supporting are investing heavily in their National Security divisions, offering the chance to work on projects of the utmost importance in environments designed to keep you supported and fulfilled.

Demand continues to overmatch supply, so it’s never been a better time to assess your career options.

The Role(s) & Locations

We’re hiring Cloud Architects across multiple mandates in the National Security ecosystem.

Roles cover everything from shaping cloud strategy and standards through to designing high-side, highly available architectures.

Locations include London, Cheltenham, Bristol, Manchester, and Defence hubs across the South West and North West.

Tech Stack & Role Guidance

We’re supporting opportunities from SFIA Level 5 (Lead) through to SFIA Level 6 (Principal) — all hands-on roles requiring exposure to:

• Cloud services (AWS or Azure)
• Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, load balancing, firewalls)
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Containerisation & orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• CI/CD exposure with secure DevOps practices
• Cloud security & risk management experience

These roles are best suited to architects who enjoy consulting with customers, spotting risks and opportunities, and delivering secure, scalable solutions that directly support the mission.

Our Clients’ Value Proposition

We’ve deliberately chosen to partner with only the best employers in National Security — from larger organisations with strong reputations and growth trajectories, to smaller specialist outfits offering a close-knit, family feel.

Whatever environment you thrive in, we can align you with the right opportunity.

What unites them all:

• Incremental uplift on your package (including cleared-engineer bonus)
• One-stage interview pathways for clarity and pace
• Relocation support for Defence hubs
• The chance to learn fast across multiple domains with rapid progression opportunities
• Great working environments with testimonials from Engineers working there directly

What They’re Looking For

• Active clearance to work in the National Security domain
• Engineers who can balance delivery with governance and security
• Strong communicators who enjoy working with customers and stakeholders
• Mission-focused mindset: commitment to outcomes, not just technology

What They’re Not Looking For

• Theoretical architects without a delivery track record
• Contractors chasing short-term gains
• Remote-only candidates — these are on-site, mission-first roles

Next Steps

If you’re cleared and ready to explore your options, submit your CV here.

Or, connect with us on LinkedIn for a confidential discussion about your situation — we’ll share intel on the wider market and help you map out your next step in the National Security domain.