WAN Architect/SME

CBS Butler; Corsham; On-site; GBP 111,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work from Corsham

Job summary

CBS Butler seeks an experienced WAN Architect for a 12-month contract, offering hybrid working from Corsham. The role pays £600–£650 per day inside IR35 and requires active DV clearance. You will lead architecture governance, assure WAN designs, and coordinate with suppliers across Defence Digital programs.

Responsibilities include assessing HLD/LLD and RFCs, managing risk, and driving network transformation initiatives while ensuring security and standard compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and assuring enterprise WAN solutions.
• Knowledge of MPLS, IP networking, routing and SD-WAN.
• Experience in secure/defence/government environments.
• Ability to review HLDs/LLDs, RFCs and security docs.

Responsibilities

• Provide WAN architecture expertise and technical assurance across enterprise networks.
• Review HLDs/LLDs, RFCs and security documentation.
• Ensure alignment with Defence Digital standards and roadmaps.
• Support service transition, onboarding, testing and go-live activities.
• Collaborate with MSPs and stakeholders to manage risks and issues.
• Assist lifecycle planning and obsolescence strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including SDN, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity and secure remote access.
• Contribute to Technical Design Authorities and governance programmes.

Skills

WAN architecture

MPLS & IP Networking

SD-WAN

Network security

Remote access technologies

Technical design review

Stakeholder management

Job description

WAN Architect+ 12 month contract

+ Hybrid working from Corsham

+ £600 to £650 per day - Inside IR35

+ DV Cleared role

Location: Hybrid/Corsham/MOD Sites (UK and Overseas as Required)

Security Clearance: Active DV Clearance Required

We are seeking an experienced WAN Architect to provide technical leadership, architecture assurance and design governance across a complex Fixed Networks portfolio.

You will assure WAN designs and supplier deliverables, support service transition and new service introduction, manage technology life cycle and obsolescence, and contribute to future network transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide WAN architecture expertise and technical assurance across enterprise network services.
• Review and assure HLDs, LLDs, RFCs, impact assessments, security and accreditation documentation.
• Ensure solutions align with Defence Digital standards, security requirements and strategic roadmaps.
• Support service transition, onboarding, testing and go-live activities.
• Work closely with MSPs, suppliers and stakeholders to manage technical risks and resolve design issues.
• Support life cycle, obsolescence and replacement planning.
• Assess emerging technologies including SDN, SD-WAN, network automation, cloud connectivity and secure remote access.
• Contribute to Technical Design Authorities, governance forums and network transformation programmes.

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience designing and assuring enterprise WAN solutions.
• Strong knowledge of MPLS, IP Networking, routing, SD-WAN, network security and remote access technologies.
• Experience reviewing complex network architecture and design documentation.
• Knowledge of network monitoring, management and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Experience working in secure, regulated or Defence/Government environments.
• Strong supplier assurance, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Familiarity with architectural governance, security assurance and Technical Design Authorities.

Desirable

TOGAF, CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, ITIL and/or CISSP qualifications are advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior WAN Architect to support critical network services and transformation activity within a highly secure Defence environment.