Technical Architect

Ncounter Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ncounter Limited is seeking an experienced Technical Architect to lead and own end-to-end technical architecture across complex defence-focused programmes. You will work across cloud, on-premise, and secure environments, guiding engineering and security teams, with exposure to API-led integration and modern DevOps practices. NATO SECRET clearance preferred, active SC may be considered for rapid access, with Europe-wide collaboration expected.

Qualifications

• Experience in Defence or National Security environments.
• Current NATO SECRET clearance preferred; active SC may be considered if can obtain NATO SECRET quickly.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technical architecture across complex customer programmes.
• Lead technical workstreams and communicate key design decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering, customer and security teams throughout delivery.
• Design across cloud and on-premise infrastructure, virtualization, containers and Infrastructure as Code.
• Shape API-led integration between applications, platforms and enterprise systems.
• Support secure and potentially sovereign or air-gapped environments.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring across engineering and architecture teams.

Skills

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

Infrastructure as Code

APIs

IAM

Observability

DevOps

AI platforms

LLM integration

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

Infrastructure as Code

APIs

Identity and access management

Observability

Modern DevOps practices

AI platforms

RAG

Job description

Technical Architect

Defence Technology UK & European Travel Permanent

NATO Secret clearance required

Ncounter is supporting the growth of a specialist technology consultancy delivering complex solutions across secure Defence environments. We are looking for an experienced Technical Architect who can combine architecture and technical leadership with genuinely hands‑on delivery.

This is not a narrow SME or advisory architecture position. You will work across multiple customer engagements, taking ownership of solutions from early concept and design through build, integration and secure delivery. The environment covers a broad technology landscape, so you will need experience working across software, infrastructure, cloud and security rather than specialising solely within one technology stack.

Key responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end technical architecture across complex customer programmes
• Lead technical workstreams, making and communicating key design decisions
• Work closely with engineering, customer and security teams throughout delivery
• Design across cloud and on‑premise infrastructure, virtualisation, containers and Infrastructure as Code
• Shape API‑led integration between applications, platforms and enterprise systems
• Support secure and potentially sovereign or air‑gapped environments
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring across engineering and architecture teams

Technical experience could include Docker, Kubernetes, Azure, Infrastructure as Code, enterprise APIs, identity and access management, observability and modern DevOps practices. Exposure to AI platforms, LLM integration, RAG, agent frameworks or accelerated compute would be valuable, but we are primarily looking for strong architectural breadth and the ability to deliver complex technology in secure environments.

Previous Defence or National Security experience is important. Current NATO SECRET clearance is strongly preferred, although candidates holding active SC who can obtain NATO SECRET quickly may also be considered.
The role will involve regular collaboration with the wider team alongside approximately 3 to 4 days per month at customer or technology partner locations across Europe.

If you are an experienced Technical Architect who still enjoys being close to the technology and wants ownership across varied, secure and technically challenging programmes, contact Ncounter to discuss the role in confidence.