Infrastructure Architect - SC Cleared

Sanderson Government & Defence; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government contractor in the UK is seeking an experienced Infrastructure Architect with SC clearance to deliver secure, enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions. The role involves designing and implementing complex environments, including data centres and private cloud platforms. Ideal candidates will possess strong networking skills, understanding of security frameworks, and relevant certifications. This hybrid position offers a unique opportunity to support a mission-critical programme in a secure environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading technical design authority sessions.
• Strong documentation skills (HLDs, LLDs, Build Guides).
• Knowledge of security frameworks (CIS, STIG, NIST).

Responsibilities

• Produce High-Level and Low-Level Designs, build guides, and ensure security compliance.
• Design and oversee secure, multi-tenant data centre networks.
• Architect private cloud platforms leveraging hyper-converged infrastructure.
• Lead technical design workshops and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Modern data centre networking and routing protocols

Network security architecture and high-grade security devices

Private cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure

Software-defined networking and secure multi-tier environments

Senior-level Linux and Windows administration

Application platforms including containerisation and CI/CD

Education

Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNP)

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Kubernetes

Job description

Infrastructure Architect - SC Cleared (Hybrid, London)
Day Rate: £650 (Inside IR35)
Clearance: SC Cleared, Sole UK Nationals Only
Location: Hybrid - London

We are looking for an experienced Infrastructure Architect to join a high-profile programme delivering secure, enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions. This role requires a strong background in designing and implementing complex, secure environments aligned with industry best practices and compliance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce High-Level and Low-Level Designs, build guides, and ensure solutions adhere to security principles such as Secure by Design and recognised frameworks.
• Design and oversee secure, multi-tenant data centre networks, advanced routing, and robust security postures.
• Architect private cloud platforms leveraging hyper-converged infrastructure and software-defined networking.
• Support modern application hosting platforms, containerisation, and messaging systems.
• Lead technical design workshops, act as subject matter expert for infrastructure, and ensure compliance with hardening standards.
• Drive Infrastructure as Code adoption for streamlined deployment and management.

Core Technical Expertise

• Modern data centre networking and routing protocols.
• Network security architecture and high-grade security devices.
• Private cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure.
• Software-defined networking and secure multi-tier environments.
• Senior-level Linux and Windows administration.
• Application platforms including containerisation and CI/CD.

Desirable Skills

• Advanced networking (EVPN/VXLAN).
• Automation and DevOps tools (Ansible, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines).
• Advanced security and observability solutions.
• Kubernetes and modern application/data platforms.
• Storage and GPU technologies.

Professional Requirements

• Proven experience leading technical design authority sessions.
• Strong documentation skills (HLDs, LLDs, Build Guides).
• Knowledge of security frameworks (CIS, STIG, NIST).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNP) highly desirable.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a mission-critical programme in a secure environment. If you have the expertise and clearance required, we would like to hear from you.

Reasonable Adjustments

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.