Lead Security Architect

SiXworks an IBM company; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Farnborough is seeking a Lead Security Architect to oversee security and risk management in the Defence and Security Sector. The role requires expertise in risk management methodologies, experience in secure by design processes, and collaboration with various IT teams. Successful candidates must have a commitment to high standards in documentation and reporting. This is a contract position at a mid-senior level, ideal for professionals passionate about cyber security and defence.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform risk management using industry approved methodologies.
• Experience with agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD principles.
• Knowledge of JSP 604 / 453 and creating assurance artefacts.

Responsibilities

• Manage security risk and apply strategies within Defence and Security.
• Produce security architecture in collaboration with IT Architects.
• Identify solutions to mitigate security vulnerabilities.

Skills

Risk management methodologies

Secure by design methodology

Technical teamwork

Identification of security components

Legal and regulatory awareness

Documentation creation

Written reporting standards

Tools

Azure

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

NodeJS

MongoDB

Job description

Lead Security Architect – SiXworks, an IBM company

We are looking to recruit a Lead Security Architect to join us on fast‑moving, innovative, and influential work underway in the Defence and Security Sector.

What do we look for in a Security Architect?

As a Lead Security Architect in a cutting‑edge technology environment, you will have a challenging, vastly interesting, and technically diverse role.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Risk Management within a Defence and Security Sector;


• Security/Cyber architectures proportionate to the GSC of the systems;


• Security architectures delivered in conjunction with other IT Architects and SMEs;


• Apply security design specifics to develop the security architecture;


• Strategic direction of Security projects;


• Producing evidence to meet various MOD regulations;


• Designing options and solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities;


• Working with various teams across the business including Software Engineering, DevSecOps Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Agile and Cyber Security;


• Either holds or has recently held government security clearance already, or is suitable for and willing to go through the vetting process (suitability includes an absence of a serious criminal record, a right to work and live in the UK, and preferably a record of 5 years’ UK residency).

Experience (Essential)

• Able to perform Risk management using industry approved methodologies (such as NIST 800‑53). Identification of suitable risk management activities (technical, physical, or procedural) to treat/mitigate the identified risks;


• Support development in a secure by design methodology;


• Be able to work at a technical level with teams;


• Identification / design / selection of appropriate security components to provide security enforcing functions (e.g. network, endpoints, cryptography, authentication, authorisation, data inspection etc) for a variety of infrastructures including cloud environments;


• Legal and regulatory topics that merit consideration when conducting various activities in the field of cyber security;


• Creation of security documentation to support the development of a system, these could include: security Aspects, Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Security Policies, Security Test Plans/Results, Evaluation documents;


• Knowledge of JSP 604 / 453 and creation of assurance artefacts;


• High standards in written report and design documentation.

Experience (Nice to have)

• Knowledge and experience of Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD principles and their application in secure environments;


• Appreciation of the constraints and requirements imposed on development within secure, safety‑critical environments;


• Concepts and technologies that are used to engineer systems which inherently protect systems;


• Understanding of MOD and other departmental IT in defence and security;


• Experience of working with MOD Accreditors;


• Knowledge of Onsite / project tech stack includes but is not limited to Azure, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Apache (NiFi, Kafka), NodeJS, Typescript, MongoDB, AI, Machine Learning etc.

About SiXworks

SiXworks is a leading provider of secure digital solutions, specialising in digital experimentation and focused on fail‑safe‑fast cutting‑edge technology solutions deployed in highly secure environments. We are unified in our mission to accelerate innovation and adoption of secure, digital technology to improve the operational agility of Defence and National Security. This is an exciting time for us, we have ambitious plans for continued growth and development, and we are seeking to add brilliant, experienced, motivated, and passionate people to our team to work with us on this journey.

What can we offer in return?

SiXworks offers a unique work culture around our core principles Agility, Security, Innovation, Quality, Collaboration and Inclusivity. Together, these six principles form SiXworks' NORTH STAR, guiding the organisation towards success. This is reflected in the raft of benefits available to all our employees.

A word on UK Security Clearance

Due to the secure nature of the position and working environment, you must have, or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance. More details relating to UK Security Clearance can be found here on the GOV.UK website.

Notice

SiXworks recognises the benefits of Reserve service to Country, Company and individual. We support Reservists and actively encourage them to apply. We are not considering submissions from agencies.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Information Technology

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting and Defence and Space Manufacturing