Principal Technical Architect - Consulting

Talent Locker; England; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A significant technology firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Technical Architect to lead the design of secure cloud architectures in the defence sector. The role requires over 10 years of experience in architecture leadership, strong stakeholder management skills, and a deep understanding of secure cloud design and compliance. Ideal candidates will have experience with AWS/Azure/GCP and relevant security clearance. This position offers a hybrid work environment with a competitive salary range of £120k to £140k.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in architecture or infrastructure leadership, with 5+ in secure cloud environments.
• Proven experience in shaping technical strategy and leading architecture teams.
• Strong knowledge of networking, encryption, IAM, and DevSecOps principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and direction of secure cloud solutions.
• Develop architectural patterns and technical roadmaps.
• Mentor and guide technical teams for innovation.

Skills

Architecture leadership

Technical strategy development

Secure cloud design

Stakeholder management

Infrastructure as Code

Networking knowledge

Education

Cloud certifications (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Security credentials (CISSP or equivalent)

Tools

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Job description

Overview

Principal Technical Architect – Secure Cloud / Defence – Farnborough / Hybrid – £120k - 140k

A rare opportunity to join in a senior capacity for a proven technical leader to define and deliver secure cloud architectures across high-assurance environments within the defence industry.

You’ll set the technical direction, lead a team of architects, and shape complex cloud strategies that underpin national security programmes. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can combine deep cloud expertise with architectural vision, stakeholder influence, and real delivery impact.

The Role

• Lead the design and direction of secure cloud and infrastructure solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain architectural patterns, governance, and technical roadmaps for large-scale, high-security environments.
• Mentor and guide technical teams, promoting consistent standards, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Act as subject matter expert across AWS, Azure, and GCP, including restricted and government offerings.
• Provide technical authority through full solution lifecycles, from design through to delivery and assurance.

You’ll Bring

• 10+ years in architecture or infrastructure leadership, with 5+ in secure cloud environments (defence, government, or critical national systems).
• Proven experience in shaping technical strategy and leading architecture teams.
• Deep understanding of secure cloud design, zero-trust models, and compliance frameworks such as NIST, DISA STIGs, and NCSC best practice.
• Expertise in Infrastructure-as-Code, containerisation (Kubernetes, OpenShift), and automation for secure cloud deployments.
• Strong knowledge of networking, encryption, IAM, and DevSecOps principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and bid support experience.

Desirable

• Cloud certifications (AWS / Azure / GCP Architect-level).
• Security credentials (CISSP or equivalent).
• Agile / DevOps / DevSecOps
• Prior experience in MOD, UKIC, or other defence domains.
• Contributions to thought leadership in cloud security or architecture.

Clearance

Applicants must have current Security Clearance and will require to be willing and eligible to obtain DV Clearance.