Lead Solution Architect

BAE Systems; Askam-in-Furness; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and aerospace company in the UK seeks a Lead Solution Architect to optimize architectural solutions for their Submarine programme. The ideal candidate should have experience in CAD or PLM solutions for large engineering projects. This role offers competitive benefits and emphasizes a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Company Share Incentive Plan

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Cycle2work and discounts

Possibility of annual incentive

Qualifications

• Experience in CAD or PLM systems for large engineering programmes.
• Proficiency with architecture repository tools like Enterprise Architect.
• Strong communication skills for business changes.

Responsibilities

• Optimize architecture solutions against schedules, scope, requirements, and objectives.
• Influence stakeholders at all levels and lead expert teams.
• Design enterprise solutions using latest SIEMENS CAD & PLM software.
• Integrate with existing systems for quality and manufacturing.
• Evaluate technologies and vendors for submarine programme needs.
• Collaborate with partners to resolve technical issues.
• Develop an enterprise architecture framework aligned with business strategies.
• Ensure Solution build matches architecture and quality criteria.

Skills

CAD or PLM Consultant/Architect

Architecture repository toolset

Communication at all levels

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

SAP

Job description

Job Title: Lead Solution Architect

Location: Barrow-in-Furness

Work arrangements: hybrid and flexible (please speak to recruiter for details)

Salary: From £70,000 dependent on experience, plus car allowance and bonus on top

What you’ll be doing:

• Optimise architecture solutions against schedules, scope, sequence, requirements, strategic objectives, cost elements and supportability
• Influencing at all levels from Director to Subject Matter Experts, whilst leveraging a team of experts and leading other architects to help gain agreement of architectures and solutions
• Design and implement enterprise level solutions leveraging the latest SIEMENS CAD & PLM software
• Integrate into existing CAM, MES and ERP solutions supporting quality, testing, construction and manufacturing processes
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and vendors to meet BAE’S Submarine programme needs
• Work with technology and software partners to resolve complex technical issues
• Develop and maintain an enterprise architecture framework, aligning business demand and strategy to industry-proven practice, solution components and decisions
• Manage governance processes to ensure that the Solution build matches architectures and design review quality criteria

Essential skills and experiences

• Hold experience as either a CAD or PLM Consultant/Architect with broad understanding and experience of designing and implementing solutions to support large engineering programmes
• Have previously used an architecture repository toolset such as Enterprise Architect and an architecture modelling framework
• Have an ability to communicate at all levels and at business change communication events

Desirable skills and experiences

• Have used JIRA and Confluence supporting agile delivery methodologies or similar collaboration technologies
• Experience of SAP and PE&O product suites or similar for use on large manufacturing projects

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme
• Enhanced annual leave allowance
• Company contributed Share Incentive Plan
• Flexible working
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle2work and employee discounts
• Possibility of annual incentive

The IT Architecture Team

By joining the team, you will have a fantastic opportunity to be heavily involved in our largest Submarine programme and work with our external partners to support the invention/creation of the submarine design and build. The shipyard has senior commitment and ambition to strengthen the submarine design discipline exploiting digital thread capabilities to improve business performance. The role will be part of the team inventing this future capability. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Security and export control: Certain roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard and may require higher levels of National Security Vetting depending on role. Factors such as nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth can affect eligibility.

Closing Date: 27th November 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.