Network Architect

BAE Systems.; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company is looking for a Network Architect to drive IT transformation and lead the design of complex network solutions. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in network architecture, strong technical acumen, and excellent leadership skills. This role offers competitive compensation and hybrid working arrangements in Preston, UK.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Discounted health and lifestyle benefits

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Network Architecture Delivery.
• Strong knowledge of WAN, LAN, and network management technologies.
• Ability to lead and engage with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Enable IT transformation through network architecture.
• Lead design and implementation of network solutions.
• Provide technical authority on critical projects.
• Influence future network designs and technology roadmaps.
• Drive architectural governance and risk management.
• Inspire technical teams throughout projects.

Skills

Network Architecture Delivery Experience

Deep Technical Expertise in WAN, LAN, wireless

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Degree-Level Qualification in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

TOGAF Certification

Job description

Job Title: Network Architect

Location: Preston/Barrow. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £80,000 + dependent on experience.

What you'll be doing:

• Enable our IT Transformation - play a key role in delivering network architecture as part of major transformation programmes and multi-supplier strategy.
• Lead End-to-End Network Architecture Delivery - Own the design and implementation of complex global network solutions.
• Technical Authority for Critical Projects - work with delivery teams to ensure robust, scalable, and compliant architectures across enterprise environments.
• Shape and Inform Future Network Designs - Collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders to influence technology roadmaps.
• Drive Architectural Governance and Assurance - Oversee design integrity, compliance, and risk management throughout delivery.
• Inspire and Guide Technical Teams - Provide leadership and clarity to fellow architects, engineers, vendors, and project managers.

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Proven Network Architecture Delivery Experience.
• Deep Technical Expertise – Strong knowledge of WAN, LAN, wireless, perimeter, and network management technologies.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement.

Desirable:

• TOGAF Certification.
• Experience in Regulated Environments.
• Degree-Level Qualification – Ideally in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline.

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Enterprise IT Architecture Team

In the architecture team, we are experiencing high-growth and are working across a breadth of initiatives – including several hundred apps and projects, supplier refreshes and the design and implementation of new architecture.

The Architecture team are a committed group of professionals who are focused on delivering against our company strategy, as we invest in the modernisation of our people and our IT environment across a global landscape.

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 and 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 (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 10th December 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.

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