Solution Architect (Maritime Autonomy)

Leidos, Inc.; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Farnborough is seeking a skilled Solution Architect to lead the design of advanced maritime defense systems. This role requires extensive experience in the defense industry, particularly in maritime systems, C4ISR integration, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of naval platforms, solution architecture, and experience in technical governance. This position offers a competitive salary with generous benefits including medical insurance, pension scheme, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Contributory Pension Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

33 days Annual Leave

Access to Flexible benefits

Flexi-Time Working

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and/or maritime domain.
• Experience in technical governance/sign-off and technical design authority roles.
• Hands-on experience with architecture frameworks and tools.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Maritime / Royal Navy / Military service experience

Strong stakeholder management

Technical leadership skills

Solutioning and designing complex mission-critical systems

Excellent communications skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Architecture frameworks (e.g., MODAF, NAF, TOGAF)

Cybersecurity, safety, and information assurance knowledge

Job description

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 with extensive experience working in the defence industry, with specific expertise in maritime systems and architectures, autonomy, mission systems, and C4ISR integration as well as good understanding of maritime platform design. This role will include developing relevant capability roadmaps across the Leidos Maritime area, scoping technology innovation, capability integration, 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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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 the 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.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Security Clearance

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

Company Information

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.

Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

About Leidos – the company is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with approximately 47,000 global employees and reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3 2025.

Pay Range: £74,700.00–£98,300.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What We Do For You

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work‑life balance.

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, Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision
• Competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at .