Principal Senior Technical Architect - IT Platforms

QinetiQ; Orpington; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ is recruiting a Principal Senior Technical Architect - IT Platforms for its Farnborough or Malvern sites. This 37-hour-per-week role requires a minimum average of 3 days on site with frequent customer travel.

The candidate will develop end-to-end architectures for National Security and Defence IT, lead governance, and craft roadmaps aligned with defence strategies, while coordinating with senior military users and engineering leads.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience architecting secure, complex systems in defence or regulated sectors.
• Deep knowledge of secure networks, cross-domain, cloud/hybrid architectures, data platforms and cryptographic controls.
• Strong understanding of MOD acquisition frameworks, security classifications, and secure-by-design principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end architectures for National Security, Defence IT, C5ISR and mission systems.
• Lead architectural governance ensuring MOD standards, JSPs, DEFSTANs, NIST and NATO frameworks.
• Shape technical roadmaps aligned with growth and defence strategies.

Skills

Systems architecting

Defence cyber/secure networks

Cross-domain integration

Enterprise architecture

Leadership & stakeholder influence

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Job description

Salary: £43,000 - 83,000 per year

Requirements

• Extensive experience architecting secure, complex systems within defence, national security, aerospace, or similarly regulated sectors
• Deep knowledge of secure networks and cross-domain solutions, cloud and hybrid architectures, data architectures, integration and interoperability standards, mission systems, sensors and platform integration, and cybersecurity and cryptographic controls
• Strong understanding of MOD acquisition frameworks, security classifications, and secure-by-design principles
• Expertise in systems engineering, enterprise architecture, and model-based approaches
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end solution architectures for National Security, Defence IT, C5ISR, mission systems, and secure services and consultancy
• Lead architectural governance, ensuring compliance with MOD standards, JSPs, DEFSTANs, NIST, and relevant NATO frameworks
• Shape technical roadmaps aligned with growth roadmaps and long-term defence strategies
• Evaluate and select technologies across cloud, edge computing, secure networks, data platforms, AI/ML, and mission-critical software
• Collaborate with senior military users, programme managers, and engineering leads to capture operational needs and translate them into technical solutions
• Be responsible for the delivery of compelling and innovative solutions to successfully win and deliver competitive bids and projects
• Provide architectural oversight throughout the solution lifecycle, from bid and concept development to delivery and in-service support

Technologies

• AI
• Architect
• Cloud
• Support
• Security

More

We are QinetiQ, creating cutting-edge defence technology and ground-breaking innovations to empower and protect lives. We are recruiting a Principal Senior Technical Architect - IT Platforms for our Farnborough or Malvern site. This is a 37-hour per week role with a minimum average of 3 days on site and frequent customer travel required. Our Farnborough site offers a state-of-the-art environment with high-energy laser technologies, a unique 5m pressurised wind tunnel, 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 additional days, health cash plan, private medical insurance, dental insurance, an employee discount portal, volunteering opportunities, and support for the Armed Forces community. We also foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where teams collaborate openly and employees are encouraged to be authentic, feel valued, and realise their full potential.

last updated 40 week of 2026