At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative digital solutions and drive technology projects to shape a safer future.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence, aerospace, and security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and support for all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology and contribute to global security.
- Qualifications: Degree in IT, Engineering, or related field with experience in digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 40016 - 50000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with BAE Critical Skills to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Location: Warton/Samlesbury (minimum 3 days per week onsite), Hybrid
We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: £75,000 Dependent on experience
Who we are: Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, shaping a safer future for all of us.
What you will be doing: As a Lead Solution Architect, you will provide specialist expertise across a broad range of information technology disciplines, supporting the delivery of innovative digital solutions that enable the organisation to achieve its strategic and operational objectives. You will work closely with business leaders, customers, suppliers, and technical specialists to develop and implement digital strategies, improve business processes, manage innovation initiatives, and ensure effective governance across information management and technology functions.
Core duties:
- Lead the delivery and governance of digital and technology projects across their lifecycle
- Assess system impacts, risks, and opportunities, recommending effective solutions and improvements
- Drive innovation initiatives and promote continuous improvement across the organisation
- Monitor emerging technologies and develop technology roadmaps to support business objectives
- Manage business-critical information systems and ensure effective use of tools, standards, and processes
- Lead user experience and accessibility reviews, ensuring solutions meet business and user needs
- Provide specialist advice on digital transformation, information management, and technology strategy while leading cross-functional teams and stakeholders
Essential Skills:
- Relevant IT, Engineering, Computer Science, Business degree, or equivalent practical experience
- Significant experience in IT, digital, or information management, with strong understanding of how technology supports business objectives, and experience in complex change environments (ideally defence or regulated sectors), including exposure to IT/architecture practices and frameworks such as TOGAF.
- Strong analytical skills with experience gathering requirements, assessing risks, and developing practical solutions that balance business and technical needs
- Good knowledge of emerging technologies, digital trends, information management, governance, security, and best practice frameworks
The Architecture Practice Team: As a Lead Solution Architect, you will be working as part of the Architecture Practice within the Air Sector in a senior role to deliver IT systems that contribute to growth within BAE Systems. This team is the home of future capability development in the Air sector working on cutting-edge platforms, products and technologies whilst engaging across the Air and wider BAE Systems Enterprise.
A place where everyone can thrive: We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.
Why BAE Systems? Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.
Closing Date: 19th June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please apply as early as possible.
Solution Design Authority – US Programmes in Warton employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness, where you can contribute to pioneering defence and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture of inclusivity, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while being recognised for your contributions. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tailored rewards and relocation support, all within a supportive community that values diversity and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Design Authority – US Programmes in Warton
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at BAE Critical Skills or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to BAE Critical Skills.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like BAE Critical Skills.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like BAE Critical Skills that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Design Authority – US Programmes in Warton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at BAE Critical Skills.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at BAE Critical Skills and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Critical Skills
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If BAE Critical Skills uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.