Lead Security Architect

IBM SiXworks; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private medical cover

Life assurance

Generous pension (10% employer, 5%员工)

Bonus

Professional development and training

On-site parking

On-site gym

On-site café & restaurant

Job summary

SiXworks is seeking a Lead Security Architect to deliver secure, mission-critical digital solutions for Defence and National Security. You will drive secure architectures across MOD projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and guide agile practices to ensure robust security and compliance.

The role requires a proactive, strategic thinker with strong risk management and regulatory knowledge. The position involves working in secure environments with potential UK security clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience with risk management using industry standards (e.g., NIST 800-53).
• Secure by design methodology participation.
• Ability to work at a technical level with cross-functional teams.
• Identify/design/select security components to enforce security across infrastructures including cloud.
• Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation processes in defence/security.

Responsibilities

• Deliver secure Linux/Cloud architectures for internal and MOD projects.
• Support agile teams in delivering Kubernetes environments for POCs and live services.
• Produce security artifacts such as policies, risk assessments, and test plans.
• Coordinate with IT Architects and SMEs to align security architectures.
• Lead strategic direction of security projects and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
• Engage with MOD Accreditors and ensure compliance documentation.

Skills

Risk management

Secure by design

Technical collaboration

Security components design

Regulatory knowledge

Security documentation

Agile / DevSecOps

CI/CD practices

MOD accreditation

Cloud & containers

Tools

Azure

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Apache NiFi

Kafka

NodeJS

TypeScript

MongoDB

AI

Machine Learning

Job description

Work on Technology That Protects What Matters

At SiXworks, we build secure digital solutions that support Defence and National Security missions. Our teams work on complex problems where reliability, security, and speed of innovation matter.

We’re looking for a Lead Security Architect who enjoys solving difficult technical challenges and wants their work to have real operational impact.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Security Architect, you’ll carry out secure delivery of internal and MOD projects. This will require supporting technical agile teams in delivering Kubernetes environments for proof of concepts, internal SiXworks infrastructure and live services for our customers

Your work may include:

• Risk Management within a Defence and Security Sector;
• Security / Cyber architectures are proportionate to the GSC of the systems;
• Security architectures are 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 would include an absence of a serious criminal record, a right to work and live in UK and, preferably, a record of 5 years’ UK residency),

What We’re Looking For

We value people who take ownership, think critically, and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team tackling complex challenges. You don’t need to tick every box, but we’re particularly interested in people with skills/experience in:

• 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 if assurance artefacts; and
• High standards in written report and design documentation.
• 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; and
• 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.

Just as important are curiosity, strong problem solving ability, and the motivation to continuously improve how technology is designed and delivered.

About SiXworks

SiXworks is a specialist digital innovation partner delivering secure, mission-critical technology to Defence and National Security organisations. We focus on digital experimentation, secure-by-design architecture, cloud technologies, and rapid application development to help our customers move faster and stay ahead of evolving challenges.

Our team combines expertise from across technology, business, and operational backgrounds including the armed forces creating a collaborative environment where practical thinking and innovation thrive.

Why Join Us

Our culture is guided by six principles: Agility, Security, Innovation, Quality, Collaboration and Inclusivity our North Star for how we work. 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.

As an end-to-end digital innovation and delivery partner, we turn complex challenges into mission-critical digital advantages. This is a thrilling time for us, with ambitious plans for growth. We are looking for brilliant, experienced, driven and self-motivated people to join the team on our journey.

We offer competitive salaries and a package that supports your wellbeing and development, including 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, free Private Medical cover and Life Assurance, Generous pension (10% employer, 5% employee contribution), Bonus and Professional development and training support. In addition to secure parking, gym, café & restaurant on site and lots of open break out spaces.

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:

United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)