Principal Senior Technical Architect - IT Platforms

About the Role

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we are not just imagining tomorrow; we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Principle Technical Architect – IT Platforms at either our Farnborough or Malvern site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

As a Senior Principle Technical Architect – IT Platforms, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, designing, and governing complex defence-grade IT and mission systems operating at the intersection of technology, security, and operational capability. This role ensures that solutions are architected to meet stringent defence requirements, integrate seamlessly across domains, and are resilient, scalable, and future-proof.

Day-to-day, you will work closely with programme leadership, engineering teams, military stakeholders, and industry partners to translate operational needs into robust, innovative solutions that enable mission success.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Developing end-to-end solution architectures for National Security, Defence IT, C5ISR, mission systems, and secure services and consultancy.
• Leading architectural governance, ensuring compliance with MOD standards, JSPs, DEFSTANs, NIST, and relevant NATO frameworks.
• Shaping technical roadmaps aligned with growth roadmaps and long-term defence strategies.
• Evaluating and selecting technologies across cloud, edge computing, secure networks, data platforms, AI/ML, and mission-critical software.
• Collaborating with senior military users, programme managers, and engineering leads to capture operational needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Being responsible for the delivery of compelling and innovative solutions to successfully win and deliver competitive bids and projects.
• Providing architectural oversight throughout the solution lifecycle, from bid and concept development to delivery and in-service support.

Essential Experience:

• Extensive experience architecting secure, complex systems within defence, national security, aerospace, or similarly regulated sectors.
• Deep knowledge of different technologies such as – Secure networks and cross-domain solutions, Cloud and Hybrid architectures, Data architectures/integration/interoperability standards, Mission systems/sensors/platform integration, and Cybersecurity/cryptographic controls.
• A strong understanding of MOD acquisition frameworks, security classifications, and secure-by-design principles.
• Expertise in systems engineering, enterprise architecture, and model-based approaches.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent relevant experience.

We value difference and do not have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education. Provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn, we would like to hear from you.

Work Environment:

This role is 37 hours per week based at either our Farnborough or Malvern site. A minimum average site attendance of 3 days per week is required. Frequent customer travel will also be necessary.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued, and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture: www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our Benefits:

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance.
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets, and much more.
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community.

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be willing to go through DV Clearance.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK

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