Principal Senior Technical Architect

QinetiQ; Orpington; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ is seeking a Principal Senior Technical Architect – National Security to shape and integrate mission-critical capabilities for Cyber and National Security customers. Based at Farnborough or Malvern, with hybrid working and occasional travel, you will lead cross-functional delivery, and mentor high-performing teams across engineering, data, cyber, and systems integration.

Translate complex mission needs into robust technical architectures and delivery concepts, lead major bids from

Qualifications

• Significant experience in National Security/Defence or cyber missions.
• Ability to lead capability development integrating people, process, and technology.
• Expertise in systems integration and operational workflow design.

Responsibilities

• Shape and integrate mission-critical capabilities for Cyber and National Security customers.
• Lead bids and business development activities with technical direction.
• Translate mission needs into robust technical architectures and delivery approaches.

Skills

National Security experience

Capability development

Systems integration

Operational workflow design

Organisation/process transformation

Lead multi-disciplinary teams

Defence/Government programmes

DV clearance readiness

Tools

AI

Security

Architecture

Job description

Salary: £43,000 - 83,000 per year

Requirements

• Significant experience working in or alongside National Security, Intelligence, Defence, or advanced Cyber missions
• Demonstrable ability to lead capability development integrating people, process, and technology
• Expertise in systems integration, operational workflow design, and organisation/process transformation
• Strong background in leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex, sensitive environments
• Experience in major capability transformation programmes in Defence, Intelligence, or Government
• Familiarity with national security processes, governance frameworks, and high-assurance operations
• Willingness to learn, with no fixed background or education requirement provided you can show the required level of experience
• Willingness to go through DV Clearance

Responsibilities

• Shape, develop, and integrate mission-critical capabilities for Cyber and National Security customers
• Act as a trusted advisor, driving innovation, orchestrating complex delivery, and building high performing teams
• Identify, shape, and qualify new business opportunities within National Security and Defence organisations
• Lead early customer engagements and develop strategies aligned with long-term sector growth
• Provide technical direction for bids and business development activities
• Ensure proposed solutions are feasible, innovative, compliant, and mission-aligned
• Work closely with engineering, data, cyber, AI/ML, and systems integration teams to shape end-to-end solutions
• Translate complex mission needs into robust technical architecture, capability concepts, and delivery approaches
• Technically lead major bids from capture through proposal submission and contract negotiation
• Lead the design and evolution of end-to-end capabilities combining people, processes, systems, and technology
• Provide leadership across all areas and shape and oversee the delivery of complex capability programmes

Technologies

• AI
• Architect
• Security
• Support

More

We are QinetiQ, and we are creating the future through cutting-edge defence technology and ground-breaking innovation to empower and protect lives. This Principal Senior Technical Architect – National Security role is based at either our Farnborough or Malvern site, with hybrid working available and frequent customer travel required. At Farnborough, we work from a state-of-the-art facility featuring high-energy laser technologies, a unique 5m pressurised wind tunnel simulation capability, and major research and development projects. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including a matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance, generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase extra days, health cash plan, private medical insurance, dental insurance, an employee discount portal, volunteering opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive workplace culture where collaboration and different perspectives are valued.