Solutions Architect - Defence

rollsroyce; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce IT and Digital seeks a Solutions Architect to translate complex requirements into a secure, credible, deliverable solution within the GCAP programme. The role blends technical credibility with commercial awareness and involves collaboration with programme managers, business analysts, and stakeholders.

You will contribute to defining requirements, travel internationally, and shaping IT architecture for integrated defense solutions while aligning with Rolls-Royce roadmaps and security

Qualifications

• Experience in IT architecture within defence/aerospace or secure environments.
• End-to-end project lifecycle ownership.
• Experience leading blended global teams (onshore/offshore).
• Exposure to large transformation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Interpret business requirements to design integrated IT solutions.
• Lead architecture design for New Demand Team aligned with standards.
• Provide technical leadership on system development and integration.
• Present architectural IT solutions to stakeholders.

Skills

Architectural design

TOGAF or similar

Global/remote teams

IT security

Education

IT Architecture certs

Tools

TOGAF

Enterprise architecture tools

Job description

Job Title

Solutions Architect - Defence

Employment Details

Full Time (Hybrid 3 Days a week onsite)

Bristol

Role Overview

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.

Responsibilities

As the Solution Architect you will be integrated into the Group IT function and will work collaboratively with the Programme Managers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, and Business Stakeholders to help define the requirements, that enable IT solutions to be developed. There will be an opportunity to travel internationally in this role.

• 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 & Culture

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.

Security Clearance & Eligibility

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 Dates

Posting Date: 29 Oct 2026; 00:10

Posting End Date: 05 Nov 2026