IT Architect

Saab UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

8% company pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Group income protection

Death in service insurance

Share matching scheme

Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an IT Solution Architect to design and implement scalable, secure technology solutions aligned with business goals. You will work with stakeholders, developers and project managers to deliver robust architectures across systems and platforms, ensuring regulatory compliance and security standards are met.

The role requires hands-on architectural leadership, evaluation of new technologies, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 3+ years experience in solution architecture and large-scale system design.
• Experience with APIs, microservices, and integration patterns.
• Certifications: TOGAF, AWS/Azure Solution Architect, ITIL preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-level and detailed solution architectures for IT systems and applications.
• Ensure solutions comply with enterprise architecture standards and security policies.
• Create architectural diagrams, models and documentation for proposed solutions.
• Collaborate with analysts, PMs and technical teams to understand requirements.
• Present architectural solutions to stakeholders and secure buy-in.
• Assess emerging technologies and conduct cost-benefit analyses.

Skills

Solution architecture

Stakeholder negotiation

Analytical thinking

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT

Tools

TOGAF

AWS/Azure

ITIL

APIs & microservices

Job description

Introduction:

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of:

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe.

Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems.

Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role:

The IT Solution Architect is responsible for designing and implementing technology solutions that align with business objectives and technical requirements. This role bridges the gap between business needs and IT capabilities, ensuring that solutions are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.

The Solution Architect works closely with stakeholders, developers, and project managers to deliver robust architectures that support organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop high-level and detailed solution architectures for IT systems and applications.
• Ensure solutions comply with enterprise architecture standards, security policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Create architectural diagrams, models, and documentation for proposed solutions.
• Collaborate with business analysts, project managers, and technical teams to understand requirements.
• Present architectural solutions to stakeholders and obtain buy-in.
• Assess emerging technologies and recommend adoption where appropriate, conducting feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Define and enforce architectural principles, guidelines, and best practices.
• Ensure consistency and integration across systems and platforms.
• Provide technical leadership during solution implementation.
• Troubleshoot architectural issues and guide development teams.
• Identify potential risks in solution design and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.

Qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Extensive IT experience, with at least 3 years in solution architecture.
• Experience in large-scale system design and implementation.
• Certifications (Preferred)
  • TOGAF, AWS/Azure Solution Architect, ITIL.
• Experience with APIs, microservices, and integration patterns.
• Understanding of networking, security, and infrastructure principles.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating complex systems.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to gain Security Clearance (SC)

Saab UK Company Benefits:

• 30 days annual leave
• Workplace pension scheme with 8% company contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Group income protection scheme
• Death in service insurance
• Up to 5% share matching scheme
• Company enhanced Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave.
• Much more

As a National Security Vetting clearance is required for this role, applicants will be required to hold National Security Vetting clearance to SC level or have the ability to gain it.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.