WAN Architect

Experis; Corsham; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Part time

Job summary

Experis is seeking an experienced WAN Architect to support a major Defence programme in Corsham within a large-scale fixed networks environment. This hybrid role requires active DV clearance and involves governance, architecture design, and supplier assurance rather than hands-on engineering.

You will challenge supplier designs, support service transition, and shape modernisation of secure WAN services. The position involves collaboration with Defence Digital, MSPs and third-party suppliers

Qualifications

• Enterprise-scale WAN architecture and design.
• MPLS, IP networking and routing.
• SD‑WAN / SDN.
• Network security architecture.
• Secure remote access.
• Telecommunications and fixed network infrastructure.
• Network monitoring and management.
• Reviewing and assuring HLD and LLD documentation.
• Service transition and operational support requirements.
• Supplier and MSP technical assurance.
• Working within secure, regulated or complex enterprise environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide architecture and design assurance across large-scale WAN services.
• Review and challenge HLDs, LLDs, RFCs, Impact Assessments and supplier technical proposals.
• Ensure WAN designs are secure, supportable and aligned with Defence Digital standards and technical strategy.
• Support Technical Design Authorities and architecture governance forums.
• Provide architectural input into service transition, onboarding, testing and go-live activities.
• Work with MSPs and third‑party suppliers to resolve technical risks and design issues.
• Review technology lifecycle and obsolescence plans and support future replacement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to modernise and optimise WAN services.
• Assess emerging technologies including SD‑WAN, SDN, cloud connectivity, secure remote access, network automation and monitoring.
• Act as a technical escalation point for WAN architecture and assurance issues.
• Communicate technical risks, recommendations and design decisions to senior technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Skills

WAN architecture

MPLS/IP routing

SD-WAN/SDN

Network security

Remote access security

Service transition

Supplier assurance

HLD/LLD review

Technical governance

Enterprise networking

Security standards

Job description

WAN Architect - DV Cleared

Location: Corsham / Hybrid, with travel to other MOD sites as required

Clearance: Active DV clearance required

Contract: 6 Months

Rate: Circa £700pd DOE (Inside IR35)

We are looking for an experienced WAN Architect to support a major Defence programme within a large-scale Fixed Networks environment.

You will provide technical leadership and architectural assurance across enterprise WAN services, working closely with Defence Digital, Managed Service Providers, technical authorities and third-party suppliers.

This is primarily an architecture, design assurance and technical governance role, rather than a hands‑on network engineering position. You will be responsible for challenging supplier designs, supporting service transition and helping shape the ongoing modernisation of complex, secure network services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide architecture and design assurance across large-scale WAN services.
• Review and challenge HLDs, LLDs, RFCs, Impact Assessments and supplier technical proposals.
• Ensure WAN designs are secure, supportable and aligned with Defence Digital standards and technical strategy.
• Support Technical Design Authorities and architecture governance forums.
• Provide architectural input into service transition, onboarding, testing and go-live activities.
• Work with MSPs and third‑party suppliers to resolve technical risks and design issues.
• Review technology lifecycle and obsolescence plans and support future replacement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to modernise and optimise WAN services.
• Assess emerging technologies including SD‑WAN, SDN, cloud connectivity, secure remote access, network automation and monitoring.
• Act as a technical escalation point for WAN architecture and assurance issues.
• Communicate technical risks, recommendations and design decisions to senior technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Essential Experience

• Enterprise-scale WAN architecture and design
• MPLS, IP networking and routing
• SD‑WAN / SDN
• Network security architecture
• Secure remote access
• Telecommunications and fixed network infrastructure
• Network monitoring and management
• Reviewing and assuring HLD and LLD documentation
• Service transition and operational support requirements
• Supplier and MSP technical assurance
• Working within secure, regulated or complex enterprise environments

Previous MOD / Defence Digital experience would be highly advantageous, particularly experience of technical governance, TDAs, security assurance and Defence network environments.

Qualifications

• CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, TOGAF, ITIL or CISSP would also be beneficial.

Eligibility

• Candidates must hold active DV clearance.