Solutions Architect - Defence

Rolls-Royce; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce Defence IT and Digital team in Bristol seeks a credible Solutions Architect to translate complex operational and customer requirements into secure, deliverable solutions within the GCAP programme.

Based in Bristol with hybrid work (3 days on site), you will lead architecture design, influence roadmaps, and guide cross-functional teams across global partners.

Security clearance is required; you will engage with government programmes and present architectures to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• IT architecture experience in defence, aerospace, or secure tech environments.
• End-to-end project and programme lifecycle ownership.
• Experience leading blended global teams (internal/contract/supplier/onshore/offshore).
• TOGAF or equivalent IT architecture qualification.
• International working experience is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Interpreting business requirements to design integrated solutions per RR roadmap.
• Leading architecture design within the New Demand Team for integrated solutions.
• Providing leadership on technical aspects of systems development and integration.
• Supporting the presentation of the architectural IT solution back to the business.

Skills

IT architecture

Defence experience

Aerospace experience

Consultancy background

Education

TOGAF or similar IT architecture qualification

Job description

Job Description

Solutions Architect - Defence

Full Time (Hybrid 3 Days a week onsite)

Bristol

Rolls Royce IT and Digital team require a technically credible, commercially aware Solutions Architect to support the ambitious and fast-paced GCAP programme.

GCAP (the Global Combat Air Programme) is a trilateral initiative launched in 2022 by the governments and industries of Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. The programme will deliver an innovative stealth fighter, ready to face the threats of the future. It will provide decisive capability for its partner nations in Europe and the Indo‑Pacific, and contribute to wider global security.

As the Solutions Architect you will be capable of translating complex operational and customer requirements into a secure technically credible and commercially deliverable solution.

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

What you will be doing:

• Interpreting business requirements to enable the design of integrated solutions in accordance with the RR roadmap.
• Leading the design of architecture within the New Demand Team for integrated solutions in line with appropriate standards.
• Providing leadership and direction on technical aspects of systems development and integration in line with technical strategies, standards etc.
• Supporting the presentation of the architectural IT solution back to the business

Position Qualifications

• Demonstrable IT architecture experience ideally from a defence, aerospace, secure technology ,critical infrastructure, or other complex engineering environments. A background in consultancy would be suited to this role.
• End to end project/programme lifecycle ownership
• Experience of managing and leading blended global teams (e.g. internal/contract/supplier/onshore/offshore etc.)
• Large transformation programme/ project exposure/ experience
• Actively seeks to understand the implications of new technologies and industry developments, communicating the opportunity and impact to the team
• TOGAF or similar qualification in IT Architecture
• International working experience (has worked overseas) is a bonus

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

To work for the Rolls-Royce Defence business, an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MOD and Government body approved cases, a dual national.

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Job Category

Information Technology

Posting Date

29 Oct 2026; 00:10

Posting End Date

05 Nov 2026