Maritime Systems Architect - Defence and Security

Manpower UK; Frimley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Manpower UK is seeking a Maritime Systems Architect to lead the development of integrated maritime and naval defence solutions in Frimley. You will engage with customers to translate operational needs into technical architectures covering platforms, communications and digital services.

The role requires strong architectural expertise in maritime environments, experience with stakeholder management, and the ability to shape requirements across engineering, delivery teams and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex technical solutions within maritime, defence, naval, aerospace or other mission-critical environments.
• Understanding of maritime platforms, naval operational concepts or integrated mission systems.
• Strong technical knowledge across systems integration, digital architectures, secure communications, networks or platform modernisation.
• Experience engaging with customers and stakeholders to translate operational needs into practical technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Development of innovative solution architectures for maritime and naval defence programmes.
• Engage directly with customers to understand operational challenges and shape future maritime capability.
• Collaborate with engineering, programme and business development teams to develop compelling technical solutions.
• Support bids and growth opportunities through the development of winning technical proposals.
• Design end-to-end solutions spanning platforms, shore infrastructure, communications and digital services.
• Produce architecture documentation and design artefacts throughout the solution lifecycle.

Skills

Maritime domain knowledge

Architectural leadership

Stakeholder management

Systems integration

Secure communications

Digital transformation

Job description

This permanent position as Maritime Systems Architect - Defence and Security, based in Frimley, offers a salary of £70,000 to £85,000 plus a 15-20% bonus. The successful candidate will join Manpower UK's Digital Intelligence division, shaping naval capability for the Royal Navy, allied forces and broader defence clients. Responsibilities include leading integrated solutions covering situational awareness, secure communications, platform integration and digital transformation. Collaboration with customers, engineering groups, delivery teams and industry partners is central to defining architectures and influencing requirements. Applicants need strong architectural expertise, maritime domain knowledge, stakeholder management skills and the ability to solve complex operational challenges. Working arrangements support hybrid patterns, with flexibility discussed at interview. Maritime Systems Architect - Defence andamp; Security Up to £85k+ 15-20% Bonus As a Solution Architect within our Digital Intelligence business, you will help shape the future of maritime capability across the Royal Navy, allied naval forces and wider defence customers. Working at the intersection of operational need and technical innovation, you will lead the development of integrated solutions that support modern naval operations, maritime situational awareness, secure communications, platform integration and digital transformation initiatives . You will collaborate with customers, engineering teams, delivery specialists and industry partners to define architectures, influence requirements and solve some of the most complex challenges facing today''s maritime domain. From front-line vessels and shore-based command environments through to next-generation connected capabilities, your work will directly contribute to operational effectiveness and mission success. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical leadership , customer engagement and strategic thinking while working on programmes that have real-world impact. Whether your background is maritime systems, naval communications, platform integration, combat systems, networks or digital transformation, you will play a key role in delivering innovative and resilient solutions for our customers.

Core Duties:

• Development of innovative solution architectures for maritime and naval defence programmes
• Engage directly with customers to understand operational challenges and shape future maritime capability
• Collaborate with engineering, programme and business development teams to develop compelling technical solutions
• Support bids and growth opportunities through the development of winning technical proposals
• Design end-to-end solutions spanning platforms, shore infrastructure, communications and digital services
• Produce architecture documentation and design artefacts throughout the solution lifecycle

Essential skills:

• Experience delivering complex technical solutions within maritime, defence, naval, aerospace, communications or other mission-critical environments
• Understanding of maritime platforms, naval operational concepts or integrated mission systems
• Strong technical knowledge across systems integration, digital architectures, secure communications, networks, software-enabled capabilities or platform modernisation
• Experience engaging with customers and stakeholders to translate operational needs into practical technical solutions
• Ability to evaluate technical, operational, commercial and programme considerations when making architectural decisions
• Proven experience preparing technical proposals, solution designs and architecture artefacts
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences