Are you a seasoned Architect with extensive experience in enterprise PKI and cryptographic architecture? If so, we’ve got an exciting opportunity on behalf of our client, a leading defence company seeking a Contract Cryptographic Services Architect for an initial 3-month engagement. This SC cleared role offers flexible working locations including Bristol, Berkshire, West Sussex, Somerset, South Yorkshire, or Greater Manchester, with the option of hybrid working, typically three days onsite per week. It’s a fantastic chance to shape secure communications and information systems in a mission-critical environment.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the design and delivery of cryptographic solutions, including PKI, Key Management, Hardware Security Modules, and emerging post-quantum cryptography strategies.
- Take ownership of architectural work from bid to delivery, producing detailed High-Level Designs (HLDs), requirements specifications, and testing artefacts.
- Provide technical leadership, presenting solutions confidently to stakeholders and ensuring architectural integrity throughout project lifecycles.
- Guide integration activities, oversee testing and acceptance, and support knowledge transfer into operational teams.
- Collaborate closely with bid teams, engineers, security specialists, and customer stakeholders, managing technical risks and recommending future-proof cryptographic solutions.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in designing and delivering enterprise PKI and cryptographic solutions with platforms such as Keyfactor, EJBCA, ADCS, Azure Certificate Services, or Evertrust.
- Deep understanding of CA architectures, certificate lifecycle management, root of trust, and digital signatures.
- Hands-on experience in cryptographic solution architecture, especially within highly regulated or security-sensitive environments.
- Strong stakeholder communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations.
- Existing SC clearance is essential.
Desirable qualifications:
- Knowledge of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) planning and migration.
- Familiarity with cryptographic standards from NCSC, NIST, ETSI, ISO, or IEC.
- Skills in scripting and automation (PowerShell, Python, Bash).
- Experience with Identity & Access Management (IAM), cloud security, or critical national infrastructure environments.
This position offers a competitive, negotiable day rate and the chance to work on pioneering cryptographic projects that have a real impact in the defence sector. If you hold the relevant experience and are ready for an engaging, strategic role delivering high-security cryptographic solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Remember, Evodia Limited acts as an employment business for this vacancy, ensuring a transparent and straightforward process. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how you can contribute to this high-security initiative.