Solutions Architect

Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

28 days annual leave

Private Medical & Dental Scheme

Pension

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK is seeking a Solutions Architect specializing in Cloud Infrastructure. You will design, implement and maintain secure, scalable cloud solutions for defence clients using Azure, AWS, and GCP.

The role requires working with Terraform, Ansible, and CloudFormation, and collaborating with software, network and cybersecurity teams to ensure compliant, high-performance architectures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in cloud architecture and engineering, preferably in defence/government sectors.
• Strong expertise in AWS, Azure, and/or GCP.
• Proven IaC experience with Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.
• Solid cybersecurity knowledge for cloud environments (zero trust, encryption, access control).
• Experience with security standards (NCSC, HMG SPF, JSP440/604).
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead secure, scalable cloud infrastructure design for mission-critical defence apps.
• Develop cloud adoption strategies aligned with long-term SNC MS UK vision.
• Ensure architectures meet top security standards and regulations.
• Design and implement infrastructure using IaC tools.
• Collaborate with software, network, and cybersecurity teams for integration.
• Lead cloud migration projects with minimal disruption.
• Produce High/Low Level Designs and communicate with stakeholders.
• Keep up-to-date with cloud tech trends to stay ahead.

Skills

Cloud architecture

IaC

Security design

Stakeholder communication

Autonomy

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Defence sector experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science/IT

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

AWS CloudFormation

Docker/Kubernetes

Job description

At SNC Mission Systems UK we provide tailored mission systems integration and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for the UK Government and its allies.

Our unique strength is our mission partner approach delivered by people who have first‑hand operational experience. We understand the challenges you face, have the know‑how to overcome them and work with you to succeed.

Operating for over a decade, we deliver cutting‑edge capabilities from open‑source intelligence (OSINT) to uncrewed surface vessels and high‑altitude one‑way effectors that deliver true interoperability across all security levels. With our in‑house R&D team, BabelwX®, we deliver innovation at scale and pace.

A wholly‑owned subsidiary of SNC, we also leverage their extensive heritage in innovation and advanced technologies to offer solutions of the highest standard and for any circumstance – peacetime or battlefield.

The role

We’re seeking a talented Solutions Architect specialising in Cloud Infrastructure to play a key role in our growing Architecture Team. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of cloud technologies from both a hardware (provisioning) and software (consumption) perspective enabling them to design, implement, and maintain secure and scalable cloud solutions for our defence clients. They will have experience of working with multiple cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and others. Ideally, they will have experience of securely integrating multiple cloud platforms across both Public and Private cloud instances.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design secure, scalable, and reliable cloud infrastructure for mission‑critical defence applications.
• Develop and drive cloud adoption strategies aligned with SNC MS UK’s long‑term vision and the specific needs of defence clients.
• Ensure that all cloud architectures meet the highest security standards and comply with relevant regulations (e.g., NCSC, HMGSPF and MoD standards like JSP440/604).
• Design and implement cloud infrastructure using tools like Terraform, Ansible, or AWS CloudFormation.
• Work closely with software development, network, and cybersecurity teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud solutions.
• Lead cloud migration projects, ensuring minimal disruption and optimised performance during transitions from legacy systems.
• Communicate with key stakeholders, including government clients and senior leadership, to present cloud solutions and ensure alignment with operational and business goals
• Produce comprehensive documentation, including High Level Designs (HLDs) and Low Level Designs (LLDs), and presentations of solutions to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Keep up to date with the latest cloud technologies and trends, ensuring that SNC MS UK remains at the forefront of innovation in the defence sector.
• Provide cost estimates, continuously monitor and optimise cloud infrastructure costs while ensuring efficient use of cloud resources.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree inComputer Science,Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of5 years of experiencein cloud architecture and engineering, with a strong preference for experience in thedefenceorgovernmentsectors.
• Strong expertise in one or more cloud platforms (e.g.,AWS,Microsoft Azure,GCP).
• Proven experience withInfrastructure as Code(IaC) tools such asTerraform,Ansible, orAWS CloudFormation.
• Strong knowledge ofcybersecurity principles, especially in a cloud environment, including experience withzero trust,data encryption,access control, andnetwork security.
• Experience working withsecurity compliance standards(NCSC, HMGSPF and MoD standards like JSP440/604)
• Familiarity withcontainer orchestrationtechnologies (e.g.,Docker,Kubernetes) andCI/CD pipelines.

Skills & Abilities:

• Security‑Focused:Deep understanding of cloud security principles and the ability to design solutions that meet strict defence security requirements.
• Problem Solving:Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex cloud architectures.
• Communication:Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical solutions to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Team Collaboration:Proven ability to work in cross‑functional teams, leading projects and collaborating with engineers, developers, and security specialists.
• Autonomy:Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks and decisions when needed, ensuring timely and effective delivery of solutions.
• Organisational Skills:Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritising tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Innovative Mindset:Willingness to explore new technologies and approaches to stay ahead of the curve in cloud computing.

Additional information

• Work Schedule:Full‑time role based in South Wales/Southwest with occasional travel to customer sites and the United States. Hybrid working is available on occasion.
• Professional Development:SNC MS UK provides ample opportunities for training and development, working on cutting‑edge technologies and projects.
• Support for Armed Forces:SNC MS UK is a proud Armed Forces Covenant member and offers 15 days paid leave for reservists and 5 days paid leave for Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers.
• Please be aware that many roles at SNC MS UK are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
• Benefits:Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme, 28 days A/L, Sick Pay, Pension, EAP, Private Medical & Dental Scheme, Life Assurance, Income Protection, Bike to Work scheme, Performance & Pro rata bonus