Solution Architect - Security Cleared

iO Associates; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and technology organisation in Farnborough is looking for a Solution Architect to provide technical leadership across a major programme. The role involves driving the solution strategy, aligning architecture decisions with customer needs, and owning high-level solution design. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in technical solutions, excellent stakeholder engagement, and active DV clearance. This hybrid position offers a competitive salary of £80,000 - £95,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience defining and maintaining programme-level technical solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at executive level.
• Must hold active DV clearance (Developed Vetting).

Responsibilities

• Provide solution oversight and technical assurance for the programme.
• Own and maintain all High-Level Design artefacts and client-facing design materials.
• Build and maintain a trusted advisor relationship with customer stakeholders.

Skills

Technical leadership

Cloud expertise

Cyber Security

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Job description

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.