Maritime Systems Architect - Defence & Security

Manpower UK; Frimley; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is seeking a Maritime Systems Architect to shape naval capability from Frimley or Christchurch with 1-2 days onsite weekly. The role offers up to £85k salary plus a 15-20% bonus, and involves leading architectures that span platforms, shore infrastructure and secure digital services.

You will collaborate with customers, engineering teams and partners to translate operational needs into practical technical designs and artefacts, supporting bids with strong proposals.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex maritime and defence solutions.
• Strong knowledge of systems integration and secure communications.
• Proven ability to translate operational needs into technical designs.
• Experience producing architecture artefacts and proposals.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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 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 systems

Defence & security

Systems integration

Digital architectures

Secure communications

Platform modernisation

Customer engagement

Job description

Maritime Systems Architect -Defence & Security Frimley or Christchurch(1-2 Days onsite p/w) 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