Principal Cloud Solutions Architect - DV Cleared

ZipRecruiter; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence-sector consultancy is seeking a Principal Cloud Solutions Architect with current DV clearance. This pivotal role involves designing secure AWS solutions and mentoring teams, contributing to critical infrastructure projects. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in Cloud Architecture and Infrastructure as Code, alongside strong leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with AWS solutions at enterprise scale.
• Strong system administration background (Linux/Windows).
• Active UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design secure AWS-based solutions within high-assurance environments.
• Produce technical documentation including designs and CONOPS.
• Coach junior engineers and manage delivery priorities.

Skills

AWS

Cloud Architecture

Infrastructure as Code

Secure Environments

Communication

Education

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Docker

Kubernetes

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Job Description

Principal Cloud Solutions Architect - DV Cleared

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Onsite)
Salary: £83,600 - £125,400 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Clearance: Current UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is essential

We are supporting a leading defence-sector consultancy in the recruitment of a Principal Cloud Solutions Architect for a permanent role based in Cheltenham. This is a senior opportunity for an experienced professional with deep expertise in AWS cloud architecture to help shape, secure, and modernise critical infrastructure.

You'll play a key role in designing and delivering secure cloud solutions, guiding multi-disciplinary teams, mentoring engineers, and setting the technical direction across high-security programmes. This is an opportunity to define possible-contributing to solutions that underpin resilience and mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and lead the delivery of secure, scalable AWS-based solutions within complex, high-assurance environments
• Translate functional and non-functional requirements into actionable architecture and implementation plans
• Produce high- and low-level designs, CONOPS, SyOPs, and other technical documentation
• Lead quality assurance and technical governance activities across projects
• Coach and mentor junior engineers, and support knowledge sharing across teams
• Manage delivery priorities, budgets, and schedules in coordination with stakeholders and project managers

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Active DV clearance is a strict requirement
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (or equivalent certification)
• Proven experience designing and deploying AWS solutions at enterprise scale
• Strong background in system administration (Linux/Windows), cloud networking, and IPv4
• Expertise in Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, AWS CDK, or CloudFormation
• Experience with containerised environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in secure environments

Desirable Skills:

• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Familiarity with Ansible, Puppet, Jira, Confluence, and Agile delivery methodologies
• Background in secure software delivery and knowledge of ITIL-based service management

This is a rare chance to work at the cutting edge of secure cloud transformation, contributing to programmes of importance.

Apply now if you are a skilled cloud architect with DV clearance and a passion for delivering secure, innovative solutions.