Infrastructure Platform Architect

DXC Technology; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development and training

Private medical insurance

Job summary

DXC Technology in the UK is recruiting a senior Infrastructure/Platform Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale infrastructure for defence and aerospace clients. You will shape technology strategy, oversee modernisation programmes and ensure security and compliance across complex environments.

The role requires deep expertise in cloud, virtualization, storage and networking, with proven leadership of technical teams and engagement with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years IT infrastructure experience with at least 5 years in an architecture role.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale infrastructure platforms.
• Strong background in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or equivalent) and hybrid infrastructure models.
• Experience in defence, aerospace or government IT environments.
• DV clearance or eligibility is essential; 10 years UK residency required.

Responsibilities

• Design enterprise infrastructure architectures spanning compute, storage, networking and virtualization.
• Develop cloud strategy and hybrid infrastructure roadmaps aligned with MOD requirements and defence security standards.
• Lead design and implementation of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or private cloud) supporting mission-critical workloads.
• Guide infrastructure modernisation programmes, legacy system migrations and technology refresh initiatives.
• Establish infrastructure governance frameworks, change control processes and operational standards.
• Lead infrastructure technical teams, providing architectural direction and technical mentoring.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Technical depth

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

KVM

AWS

Azure

Job description

Job Description

DXC Technology is a Fortune 500 global technology services company delivering mission‑critical solutions across more than 130,000 professionals worldwide. With over 40 years’ presence in the UK, DXC has recently established its Aerospace and Defence Hub in Farnborough. We deliver enterprise technology solutions that help defence organisations modernise infrastructure, implement cloud platforms, and optimise mission‑critical systems.

About the Role

The Infrastructure/Platform Architect is a senior technical leadership position responsible for designing, implementing and managing enterprise‑scale infrastructure platforms supporting defence and aerospace operations. You will architect complex IT environments, define technology strategies, lead infrastructure modernisation programmes, and ensure alignment with security, compliance and operational requirements. This role requires exceptional technical depth combined with strategic thinking and programme leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure Architecture & Strategy

• Design and define enterprise infrastructure architectures spanning compute, storage, networking and virtualisation platforms
• Develop cloud strategy and hybrid infrastructure roadmaps aligned with MOD requirements and defence security standards
• Establish infrastructure design patterns, standards and best practices across the organisation
• Lead capacity planning, scalability assessments and infrastructure optimisation initiatives
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies based on business and security requirements

Platform Implementation & Modernisation

• Lead design and implementation of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or private cloud) supporting mission‑critical workloads
• Architect virtualisation solutions, containerisation strategies and orchestration platforms
• Design disaster recovery, business continuity and resilience architectures meeting MOD availability requirements
• Guide infrastructure modernisation programmes, legacy system migrations and technology refresh initiatives
• Ensure infrastructure designs comply with MOD security requirements, Classification Guides and defence standards

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Lead infrastructure technical teams, providing architectural direction and technical mentoring
• Establish infrastructure governance frameworks, change control processes and operational standards
• Drive technical decision‑making through design reviews and architecture boards
• Document architecture decisions, design documentation and technical standards

Security, Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Architect security controls into infrastructure design, including network segmentation, access controls and encryption
• Ensure infrastructure compliance with MOD security policy, ITAR regulations and industry standards
• Work with security teams to implement infrastructure hardening and vulnerability management
• Optimise infrastructure costs, energy efficiency and environmental impact
• Support operational readiness, performance monitoring and incident response planning

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as technical authority for infrastructure discussions with senior customer stakeholders
• Present architecture recommendations to customer leadership and defence programme teams
• Manage stakeholder expectations and communicate technical concepts to non‑technical audiences
• Participate in customer design workshops and architecture validation activities

Essential Requirements

Security Clearance

• Must hold or be eligible to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) clearance – Essential
• 10 years continuous UK residency required for DV eligibility

Experience & Expertise

• Minimum 12 years IT infrastructure experience with at least 5 years in an architecture role
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise‑scale infrastructure platforms
• Strong background in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or equivalent) and hybrid infrastructure models
• Demonstrated experience with virtualisation, storage and high‑availability infrastructure design
• Track record of leading infrastructure modernisation programmes and technology transformation
• Experience in defence, aerospace or government IT environments

Technical Knowledge

• Deep expertise in infrastructure architecture patterns and design methodologies
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or equivalent), including services, scaling and cost optimisation
• Extensive experience with virtualisation technologies (VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVM)
• Proficiency in storage technologies, SAN/NAS architectures and backup/recovery solutions
• Strong networking knowledge including SDN, load balancing and network security architectures
• Understanding of containerisation, Kubernetes and microservices architectures
• Familiarity with MOD security requirements, classification handling and defence contractor compliance
• Knowledge of disaster recovery planning, business continuity and high‑availability design patterns

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional strategic thinking combined with strong technical depth
• Excellent communication and presentation skills – able to explain complex architecture to diverse audiences
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical capabilities
• Proven ability to lead and influence technical teams and senior stakeholders
• Commitment to security and compliance excellence

Desirable Requirements

• Previous DV clearance or SC clearance
• Experience with aerospace and defence IT programmes
• AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect or equivalent cloud certification
• TOGAF certification or Enterprise Architecture experience
• Experience with infrastructure‑as‑code and DevOps practices
• Knowledge of ITAR compliance and export control regulations

What We Offer

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Private medical insurance and comprehensive health benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and training support
• Opportunity to architect mission‑critical infrastructure for world‑class defence organisations

Application Process & Security Vetting

• An offer of employment is subject to satisfactory completion of background checks (BPSS) and security vetting
• DV clearance is essential and must be obtained prior to commencing work
• The DV process typically takes 6–9 months
• Applicants must demonstrate 10 years continuous UK residency

Equal Opportunities

DXC Technology is an equal opportunities employer committed to building diverse, inclusive teams. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.