Are you an experienced Senior Technical Architect with a background in defence or secure environments and a passion for shaping complex digital systems? We’re working with a key client in the defence sector, seeking a Contract SPISN Senior Technical Architect to lead the technical design and assurance of mission-critical solutions for MOD Abbeywood, Bristol. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to contribute to vital national security projects, with the flexibility of hybrid working and the chance to work on impactful technology in a secure environment.
What’s involved?
- Lead the technical architecture and design for systems and services across SPISN delivery areas, translating operational needs into robust, scalable solutions.
- Apply enterprise architecture principles, standards, and reusable patterns across software, hardware, cloud, and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with governance frameworks like TOGAF, BCS, and ArchiMate.
- Work in collaboration with enterprise, data, security, and solution architects to assure solution quality, resilience, security, and supportability throughout the delivery lifecycle.
- Manage technical risks, complexity, and technical debt, conducting reviews to ensure solutions meet operational and performance standards.
- Provide technical leadership, coaching multidisciplinary teams and engaging with suppliers to foster knowledge transfer and best practice.
- Support strategic decision-making by communicating technical options, costs, risks, and lifecycle implications to stakeholders at all levels.
What are we looking for?
- Substantial experience in technical architecture and solution design within complex, integrated technology environments—ideally within defence or secure sectors.
- Proven expertise in strategy, architecture, and solution design, with practical knowledge of architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, BCS Architecture, and ArchiMate.
- Demonstrable experience in designing and assuring integrated solutions across software, hardware, cloud, infrastructure, and services.
- Strong stakeholder communication and influencing skills, with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with suppliers.
- Working knowledge of service delivery, data, change, and information assurance considerations.
- A recognised degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related fields.
- Professional certifications such as TOGAF Practitioner or equivalent, with evidence of ongoing professional development. Knowledge of cloud architecture (including hybrid cloud) and security principles is desirable.
This role suits someone who is
Committed to integrity and transparency, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and delivering critical technology solutions. You’ll be comfortable working in a secure, high-pressure environment, providing expert guidance and assurance at every stage.
Additional details
- Initial contract until 31 March 2027, with potential for extension.
- Competitive day rate of up to £805 (ex VAT), inside IR35.
- Working hours: 7.5 hours per day, with regular onsite presence in Bristol (2 days per week) and opportunities for remote work.
- Must hold a minimum SC clearance, willing and eligible to obtain DV clearance if not already held. UK sole nationality is required.
- Travel across UK locations may be necessary for workshops, assurance, and stakeholder engagement.
If you possess the relevant experience and are eager to apply your architecture expertise to vital defence projects, this role offers a meaningful and challenging opportunity to make a real difference. We look forward to hearing from you.