Solution Architect (Maritime Autonomy)

Leidos Innovations UK Limited; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor in the UK is seeking a highly skilled Solution Architect in Maritime Autonomy to architect and design cutting-edge C4ISR systems for maritime defence. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in defence and maritime systems, along with strong stakeholder management abilities and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive benefits package including a pension scheme and private medical insurance, with the possibility to work flexibly from home.

Benefits

Contributory Pension Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

33 days Annual Leave

Flexible benefits

Flexi-Time Working

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and/or maritime domain.
• Strong understanding of naval platforms and their mission requirements.
• Experience in technical governance and design authority roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of military maritime solutions.
• Translate complex operational requirements into end-to-end system designs.
• Engage with military stakeholders to define system architectures.

Skills

Solution architecture

Stakeholder management

Technical leadership

Communication skills

C4ISR systems

Maritime systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Sparx EA

Cameo

Job description

Solution Architect (Maritime Autonomy)

Location: Farnborough, with flexibility to work from home dependent on business demands

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and security-cleared Solution Architect to lead the architecting and design of modern autonomous and digital C4ISR systems and solutions for maritime defence capabilities and platforms. The role will support multiple maritime and related defence opportunities. The candidate will have extensive experience working in the defence industry, with specific expertise in maritime systems and architectures, autonomy, mission systems, and C4ISR integration as well as a good understanding of maritime platform design. This role will include developing relevant capability roadmaps across the Leidos Maritime area, scoping technology innovation, capability integration, and undertaking customer engagement to position Leidos as a leader in Maritime Defence using cutting edge technology and leading the solution on bids and opportunities. The Solution Architect will work closely with programme-specific architects and engineers, programme delivery, business development, wider divisional technical leadership and customer teams to ensure technical solutions align with customer requirements and operational needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of military maritime solutions, including combat systems, Strike Net, communications, autonomous navigation, and integrated platform management systems, across multiple opportunities
• Translate complex operational and capability requirements into end‑to‑end system designs
• Engage with military stakeholders, engineering teams, partners and subcontractors to define and validate system architectures and technical roadmaps
• Review solutions to ensure compliance with military standards, safety, and security requirements (e.g., DEF STAN, STANAG, MIL-STD)
• Support bid and proposal efforts by contributing to the shaping, solution development and associated governance of the solution architecture and supporting technical proposal and costing reviews
• Conduct trade studies and design reviews to assess system performance, scalability, and interoperability
• Provide governance and oversight across engineering delivery to ensure architectural alignment and integration across maritime opportunities
• Stay abreast of emerging and cutting edge technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and system improvement including but not limited to uncrewed systems, advanced comms and AI

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Masters degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• Maritime / Royal Navy / Military service experience
  • Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and/or maritime domain
  • Strong understanding of naval platforms (surface ships, submarines, UAVs/USVs, Strike Net, Tactical C4ISR) and their mission requirements
  • Experience in technical governance/sign-off and technical design authority roles
  • Understanding of maritime autonomy, technology, policies and strategy, able to use this to influence Leidos technical strategy and direction
  • Experience with C4ISR systems, weapon systems integration, or naval command systems
  • Knowledge of combat management systems and the latest developments in cross platform and multi‑service data sharing systems
  • Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle (ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288), MBSE, and digital twin concepts
  • Hands‑on experience with architecture frameworks (e.g., MODAF, NAF, TOGAF) and tools (e.g., Sparx EA, Cameo)
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity, safety, and information assurance in defence systems
  • Strong stakeholder management and technical leadership skills
  • Highly skilled at solutioning and designing complex mission‑critical systems and services which meet customer needs whilst remaining implementable within schedule and budget
  • Excellent communications skills to engage with executive leadership (internally and client) articulating solution and technical capability aligned to the business challenges
  • Excellent written and presentation communication skills

Clearance Requirements

• Clearance to Start – SC
• Clearance for Role: SC / DV
• Must be sole UK citizen holding SC clearance with potential to gain DV

Benefits

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
• Flexi‑Time Working

Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.