Technical Design Architect

NP Group; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consultancy is seeking a Technical Design Authority (TDA) to act as the main technical interface for a secure messaging platform. The role requires proven experience in similar positions within secure environments, expertise in VMware and Linux, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. This position is on-site in Hampshire at least four days a week, offers an initial contract of six months, and is inside IR35. Candidates must have active Enhanced DV clearance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Technical Design Authority, Solution Architect, or Senior Technical Lead.
• Strong understanding of government security environments and standards.
• Experience in providing technical leadership across a solution life cycle.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for the customer.
• Maintain High-Level and Low-Level Design documentation.
• Oversee compliance with technical standards and security measures.

Skills

Technical Design Authority

Strong stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of HMG ICT standards

Operational assurance

Tools

VMware (Broadcom VCF)

Linux

Microsoft Windows technologies

Microsoft Exchange

Job description

Contract: eDV Cleared Technical Design Authority (Linux & Windows)

Clearance: Active Enhanced DV (eDV) - UK Nationals only
Location: Hampshire (on site minimum 4 days per week)
Contract Length: Initial 6 months (extendable)
Start Date: ASAP
Engagement: Inside IR35 (via Umbrella)

Rate: Negotiable

Contract Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Design Authority (TDA) to act as the primary technical interface between the delivery team and the customer for a secure internal messaging platform. The role will provide technical ownership and governance across the full solution life cycle, ensuring the platform is designed, delivered, and maintained in line with customer expectations, security standards, and architectural best practice. The TDA will work closely with engineering, service, and testing teams, providing technical leadership across the same technology stack as the Systems Engineer role.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for the customer, handling technical queries and providing authoritative guidance
• Own and maintain the High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD), ensuring designs are kept up to date throughout the service life cycle
• Provide technical oversight and assurance across solution design, build, and operational phases
• Liaise closely with the Service Lead, contributing to and attending regular customer meetings covering overall service delivery
• Ensure the virtual VBSE delivery team has the technical direction, access, and resources required to deliver effectively
• Oversee technical standards, patching, updates, and configuration management to ensure the platform remains secure and compliant
• Ensure alignment with HMG ICT, security, and documentation standards
• Support risk management, design decisions, and technical change control

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience operating as a Technical Design Authority, Solution Architect, or Senior Technical Lead within secure or government environments
• Strong knowledge of HMG ICT, network, and documentation standards
• Deep technical understanding of solutions built using:
  • VMware (Broadcom VCF)
  • Linux, including RedHat OpenShift
  • Microsoft Windows technologies, including Active Directory, RDS, and Group Policy
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Privileged Access Management
  • Auditing and logging policies
  • Backup, storage, and IP Networking
• Experience supporting live services, including patching, life cycle management, and operational assurance
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to customers and non-technical audiences