Solution Architect - Security Cleared

IO Associates; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology organisation is seeking a Solution Architect to provide technical leadership and oversight across a major programme in Farnborough, UK. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in defining technical solutions, broad knowledge in cloud and cyber security, and must hold active DV clearance. This full-time, hybrid role offers a competitive salary between £80,000 and £95,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience defining and maintaining programme-level technical solutions.
• Skilled in designing complex mission-critical systems within schedule and budget.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Provide solution oversight and technical assurance for the programme.
• Own and maintain all High-Level Design artefacts and client-facing design materials.
• Act as solution lead for customer Change Requests.

Skills

Solution design

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Cloud technologies

Cyber Security

Data Analytics

Job description

Overview

Solution Architect — £80,000 - £95,000

Farnborough, UK (Hybrid) | Full-Time, Permanent

Our client, a leading defence and technology organisation, is seeking a Solution Architect to provide technical leadership and oversight across a major programme. This is a senior architecture role, requiring broad technical knowledge and strong customer engagement skills, with responsibility for driving the solution strategy, ensuring delivery assurance, and acting as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders.

You'll own the high-level solution design, maintain the technical roadmap, lead on change requests, and ensure all architecture decisions align with customer needs while balancing cost, risk, and long-term sustainability. With exposure across infrastructure, cloud, cyber security, data, and mission-critical applications, this position is ideal for an architect who thrives in complex, high-security environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide solution oversight and technical assurance for the programme.
• Own and maintain all High-Level Design artefacts and client-facing design materials.
• Act as solution lead for customer Change Requests.
• Maintain the technical strategy and roadmap.
• Work closely with programme leadership (Programme Manager, Chief Engineer, Service & Security Leads).
• Build and maintain a trusted advisor relationship with customer stakeholders.
• Conduct requirements analysis, trade studies, integration, testing, and quality assurance.
• Influence programme outcomes through innovation, best practice, and technical direction.
• Communicate with executive leadership on critical technical matters.

Requirements

• Proven experience defining and maintaining programme-level technical solutions.
• Broad knowledge across:
• Cloud, Infrastructure & Networks
• Applications & Development
• Data, Analytics, AI/ML
• ITSM (ITIL), Automation
• Cyber Security
• Skilled in designing complex mission-critical systems within schedule and budget.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at executive level.
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Experience reviewing and assuring technical solutions for large programmes or bids.
• Defence domain experience (highly desirable).
• Must hold active DV clearance (Developed Vetting).

This is a senior leadership role, ideal for a Solution Architect who enjoys shaping complex solutions, influencing executive stakeholders, and delivering mission-critical systems in the defence and national security sector.