Principle Architect

Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd; St Athan; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 holidays

Pension scheme

Car scheme

Employee assistance programme

Private medical

Eye test discounts

Life assurance

Dental health plan

Cycle to work

Sage employee benefits

Income protection

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd in St Athan is seeking a Principal Architect to lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable information system solutions for complex operational environments. You will work closely with customers, engineers and programme teams to translate requirements into architectures that are resilient and interoperable.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, architectural governance and delivering mission-ready systems.

Qualifications

• Experience in systems engineering and architecture, ideally in defence or ISR.
• Ability to produce clear architecture and design documentation.
• Strong understanding of communications systems, networking and interoperability standards.
• Desirable experience with RF systems and secure strategic or tactical communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of secure, scalable architectures for complex environments.
• Collaborate with customers, engineers and programmes to translate requirements into delivery-ready solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance through integration, assurance and delivery phases.

Skills

Systems engineering

Architecture leadership

Defence/ISR domain experience

RF systems knowledge

Job description

Principal Architect

SNC Mission Systems UK

We are looking for a Principal Architect to join us at SNC Mission Systems UK in St Athan. We providetailored mission systems integration and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for the UK Government and its allies.

Our unique strength is our mission partner approach delivered by people who have first-hand operational experience. Weunderstand the challenges, have theknow-howto overcome them, and work together to succeed.Operating for over a decade, we delivercutting-edgecapabilities from open-source intelligence (OSINT) to uncrewed surface vessels and high-altitude one-way effectors that deliver true interoperability across all security levels.

As Principal Architect, you will lead the design and development of secure, scalable communications and information system solutions for complex operational environments. Working closely with customers, engineers and programme teams, you will turn technical requirements into practical architectures that are resilient, interoperable and ready for delivery. You'll provide technical leadership, guide key design decisions, and support teams through integration, assurance and delivery challenges.

As our Principal Architect, you'll work on meaningful, operationally relevant challenges that directly contribute to mission success. You'll have real ownership of your work, collaborate closely with customers, and influence high-impact programmes from concept through to delivery.

You’ll have experience in systems engineering and architecture, ideally within defence or a related industry. You can produce clear architecture and design documentation and have a good understanding of communications systems, networking and interoperability standards. Experience of RF systems and secure strategic or tactical communications is desirable. Most importantly, you’re proactive, collaborative and excited to help shape the future of a growing business that rapidly turns innovative technology into operational capability.

What we offer…

• 28 holidays
• Competitive pension scheme (we contribute 10%, you contribute 5%)
• Tusker car scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Employeeassistanceprogramme Scheme via TELUS
• Private medical scheme via BUPA
• Discounts on eye tests,glassesand contact lenses
• Life Assurance
• Dental health plan (claim back money towards routine & restorative treatments)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sage employee benefits including high street, health & wellbeing discounts
• Income protection

Please be aware that many roles at SNC MS UK 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.

SNC MS UK is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.