Senior Technical Architect

Addition; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid work

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Extra leave

Private healthcare

Dental cover

Health cash plan

Employee discounts

Leadership exposure

Career progression

Job summary

Addition is seeking a Principal Senior Technical Architect for National Security. You will drive technical strategy across complex programmes, working with senior customers and partners to shape solutions that meet critical operational needs.

A background in defence or national security and active clearance is essential for success. The role offers hybrid working with multiple UK locations, and accountability for delivering secure, high-assurance technology across Data, AI and Systems

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading technical solutions in complex, secure environments.
• Strong background in data, AI/ML and large-scale architectures.
• Experience guiding multi-disciplinary technical teams on major programmes.
• Ability to translate technical challenges into commercial propositions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of high-value national security programmes.
• Engage with senior customers to understand challenges and shape solutions.
• Identify new business opportunities and support key account growth.
• Own multimillion-pound bids from concept to contract discussions.
• Design secure, scalable architectures across Data, AI and Systems.
• Collaborate with commercial and engineering teams on propositions.
• Advise senior stakeholders on technology decisions and strategy.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams throughout delivery.

Skills

Data

AI/ML

Systems Engineering

Architecture Leadership

Job description

Principal Senior Technical Architect – National Security

We’re working with a leading organisation in the Defence and National Security sector, delivering complex technology solutions that support some of the UK’s most critical operations. They’re looking for a senior technical leader who can combine deep engineering expertise with commercial thinking, customer engagement and the ability to shape major programmes.

Role Overview

Location: Farnborough, Malvern, Boscombe Down, Bristol or Portsmouth

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 Days Onsite Per Week

Industry: Defence / National Security / Intelligence

Security Clearance: Active eDV (Green Badge) Essential

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the technical direction of complex, high-value programmes across National Security and Intelligence.
• Building relationships with senior customers, understanding their challenges and developing solutions that meet operational needs.
• Identifying and shaping new business opportunities, supporting the growth of key customer accounts.
• Taking technical ownership of multimillion-pound bids, from solution development through to commercial proposals and contract discussions.
• Designing secure, scalable architectures across Data, AI, Systems Engineering and other advanced technologies.
• Working closely with commercial, engineering and business development teams to create competitive technical propositions.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing technology decisions and long-term strategies.
• Providing technical leadership and assurance across multidisciplinary teams throughout the programme lifecycle.

Main Skills Needed

• Strong technical foundations in Data, AI/ML, Systems Engineering or complex technology environments.
• Significant experience as a Principal Architect, Senior Technical Architect, Enterprise Architect or Chief Engineer.
• Established background within UK Defence, Intelligence, National Security or similarly secure Government environments.
• Proven experience leading technical solutions for multimillion-pound bids and contributing to successful contract wins.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to identify opportunities, develop customer relationships and support business growth.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders and translating complex technical challenges into clear, commercially viable solutions.
• Experience designing and delivering integrated, secure and mission-critical systems.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience guiding multidisciplinary technical and engineering teams.
• Understanding of high-assurance environments, secure architecture and technical governance.
• Active UK eDV (Green Badge) clearance is essential.

What’s in It for You

• 10% annual bonus.
• Hybrid working with three days onsite and a choice of five UK locations.
• Matched pension contributions and life assurance.
• Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Optional private healthcare, dental cover and health cash plans.
• Employee benefits and discount schemes.
• Direct engagement with senior leadership and influential customers across the National Security sector.
• The chance to shape and secure major technology programmes with genuine operational impact.
• Long-term career progression within an established Defence and Technology organisation.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.