Maritime Solutions Architect

Frontier Resourcing Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Solution Architect to design and develop autonomous and digital C4ISR systems for maritime defence. The role requires strong expertise in military maritime solutions, stakeholder management, and technical leadership. Candidates must have a relevant engineering degree, extensive experience in systems architecture, and current SC clearance. This position offers a critical role in driving technological innovation in maritime platforms.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and/or maritime domain.
• Strong understanding of naval platforms and their mission requirements.
• Experience with C4ISR systems and weapon systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of military maritime solutions.
• Translate operational requirements into system designs.
• Engage with stakeholders to define and validate system architectures.

Skills

Military maritime solutions architecture

Systems engineering

Stakeholder management

Cybersecurity knowledge

Proficiency in architecture frameworks

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

Sparx EA

Cameo

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and security‑cleared individual to lead the design and development of modern autonomous and digital C4ISR systems and solutions for maritime defence capabilities and platforms.

This role supports multiple maritime and related defence opportunities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience within the defence industry, with specific expertise in maritime systems and architectures, autonomy, mission systems, and C4ISR integration, as well as a strong understanding of maritime platform design.

You will develop capability roadmaps across the Maritime area, scope technology innovation and capability integration, engage with customers to position us as a leader in Maritime Defence, and lead technical solutions on bids and opportunities.

The Solution Architect will collaborate closely with programme‑specific architects and engineers, programme delivery teams, business development, divisional technical leadership, and customer stakeholders to ensure solutions align with operational requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of military maritime solutions, including combat systems, Strike Net, communications, autonomous navigation, and integrated platform management systems across multiple opportunities.
• Translate complex operational and capability requirements into end‑to‑end system designs.
• Engage with military stakeholders, engineering teams, partners, and subcontractors to define and validate system architectures and technical roadmaps.
• Review solutions for compliance with military standards, safety, and security requirements (e.g. DEF STAN, STANAG, MIL‑STD).
• Support bid and proposal efforts, shaping and developing solution architectures and contributing to technical proposals and costing reviews.
• Conduct trade studies and design reviews to assess performance, scalability, and interoperability.
• Provide governance and oversight across engineering delivery to ensure architectural alignment and integration across maritime programmes.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to drive innovation in areas such as uncrewed systems, advanced communications, and AI.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Maritime, Royal Navy, or Military service background.
• Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and / or maritime domain.
• Strong understanding of naval platforms (surface ships, submarines, UAVs / USVs, Strike Net, Tactical C4ISR) and their mission requirements.
• Experience in technical governance, sign‑off, or technical design authority roles.
• Understanding of maritime autonomy, policies, and strategy, with the ability to influence technical direction.
• Experience with C4ISR systems, weapon systems integration, or naval command systems.
• Knowledge of combat management systems and developments in cross‑platform and multi‑service data sharing.
• Familiarity with the systems engineering lifecycle (ISO / IEC / IEEE 15288), MBSE, and digital twin concepts.
• Proficiency in architecture frameworks (MODAF, NAF, TOGAF) and tools (Sparx EA, Cameo).
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, safety, and information assurance in defence systems.
• Proven stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.
• Skilled in designing complex mission‑critical systems that meet operational, schedule, and budgetary constraints.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex solutions clearly to internal and client leadership.

Clearance Requirements

• Clearance to Start: SC
• Clearance for Role: SC / DV
• Must be a sole UK citizen currently holding SC clearance, with potential to gain DV.