At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the security architecture for HELIX®, ensuring secure deployment across various environments.
- Company: Join Bright Ascension, a leader in space software innovation.
- Benefits: Work with cutting-edge tech, enjoy a collaborative culture, and grow professionally.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and potential security clearance involvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of space exploration while influencing security strategies at scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture, cloud security, and modern security principles required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Bright Ascension, we're building the software that powers the next generation of space missions. Our flagship platform, HELIX®, enables organisations to develop, deploy, and operate complex space systems faster, more efficiently, and with greater confidence. As we continue to grow across commercial, government, defence, and national security sectors, we're looking for an exceptional Security Architect to help define how security is designed, implemented, and governed across our technology ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to influence the security architecture of a cutting‑edge software platform that supports mission‑critical systems deployed in some of the world's most demanding environments.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Architect, you will take ownership of the security and deployment architecture underpinning HELIX®, ensuring security is embedded by design across our model‑based, component‑based, and service‑oriented architecture. You will play a strategic role in defining how HELIX is securely deployed across cloud, hybrid, on‑premise, and mission‑critical environments, while providing technical leadership to engineering teams and supporting customers operating in highly regulated sectors, including Defence and National Security. If you are passionate about Zero Trust Architecture, cloud security, secure deployment patterns, and influencing technical strategy at scale, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead Security Architecture
- Define and evolve the security architecture for the HELIX® platform and associated development tools.
- Embed security‑by‑design principles including Zero Trust, least privilege, and defence‑in‑depth across all architectural layers.
- Ensure consistency and alignment of security architecture across current and future HELIX products.
- Drive architectural standards that enable secure, scalable, and resilient solutions.
- Evaluate and select security technologies, frameworks, and standards that support HELIX deployments.
- Define clear pathways from technology‑independent architecture to real‑world implementation.
- Ensure alignment with industry best practice and government security standards.
- Influence the long‑term security roadmap for the platform.
- Provide Technical Leadership
- Partner with Product Architects and Engineering teams to ensure secure implementation of architectural principles.
- Support security assurance, architecture reviews, and compliance activities.
- Guide teams on secure coding practices, cryptography, identity services, and system integration.
- Act as a trusted security expert across the organisation.
- Develop reference deployment architectures for cloud, hybrid, on‑premise, and air‑gapped environments.
- Ensure deployment approaches meet customer requirements while maintaining architectural integrity.
- Support teams in implementing secure, scalable, and resilient operational environments.
- Drive adoption of modern deployment technologies and practices.
- Engage with Customers and Stakeholders
- Work closely with customers operating in regulated and high‑assurance environments.
- Help articulate Bright Ascension's security strategy and deployment approach.
- Support customer engagements, solution discussions, and technical presentations.
- Contribute to customer confidence in HELIX's security and resilience.
What We're Looking For
You will bring strong experience designing and implementing security architectures for distributed and cloud‑based systems, together with a deep understanding of modern security principles and practices. We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience in:
- Zero Trust Architecture and secure‑by‑design principles
- Cloud security across AWS, Azure, or similar platforms
- Identity and Access Management (IAM), authentication, federation, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML
- Cryptography, PKI, TLS, key management, and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
- Network security, segmentation, service mesh technologies, and secure communications
- Containerisation and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Infrastructure‑as‑Code and automated deployment approaches
- Security frameworks including NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST 800‑53, ISO 27001, NCSC Cloud Security Principles, and NIST SP 800‑207
You'll also be comfortable defining technology‑independent architectures and translating them into practical, implementable solutions.
Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with technical depth. You will be:
- A strong systems thinker who can operate at both architectural and implementation levels
- An excellent communicator who can explain complex concepts clearly
- A collaborative team player who enjoys working across disciplines
- Comfortable influencing technical decisions and driving change
- Analytical, detail‑oriented, and highly effective at solving complex problems
- Passionate about building secure, resilient, and scalable systems
Experience in any of the following areas would be advantageous
- Defence, National Security, or other highly regulated sectors
- DevSecOps and Secure by Design methodologies
- Cross‑domain solutions and multi‑classification environments
- Service mesh technologies such as Istio or Linkerd
- UK Government security requirements (OFFICIAL and SECRET)
- US DoD Zero Trust Strategy
- FedRAMP or IL‑level environments
- Mission‑critical or high‑assurance systems
- Accreditation and compliance programmes
Why Join Bright Ascension?
At Bright Ascension, you'll have the opportunity to work on technology that directly supports the future of space exploration, satellite operations, and mission‑critical systems around the world. You'll join a collaborative, innovative team where your expertise will have genuine impact, helping shape the architecture of products used in some of the most challenging and exciting technical environments. We offer:
- The opportunity to influence the future direction of a market‑leading space software platform
- Exposure to cutting‑edge cloud, security, and distributed systems technologies
- A highly collaborative engineering culture
- The chance to work with customers across commercial, government, defence, and international markets
- Professional growth in a rapidly expanding company at the forefront of the space industry
Additional Information
Occasional travel may be required to support customers, partners, and internal teams. Eligibility for UK and/or US Security Clearance may be required depending on project involvement. A strong alignment with Bright Ascension's values, culture, and engineering excellence is essential.
If you're excited by the challenge of securing the next generation of space software and want to play a key role in shaping the future of HELIX®, we'd love to hear from you.
Security Architect employer: Bright Ascension Ltd
Bright Ascension Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the exciting field of space technology. With opportunities for professional growth and a flexible hybrid working model in the vibrant cities of Edinburgh or Dundee, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages continuous learning in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to security architecture. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Zero Trust Architecture or cloud security. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common security architecture questions. Think about how you would approach real-world scenarios, especially those involving secure deployment patterns. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Bright Ascension.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with security architecture, especially in cloud environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Bright Ascension!
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about the role and the space industry! Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm for security and technology.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities of the Security Architect role. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Ascension Ltd
✨Know Your Security Principles
Make sure you brush up on key security concepts like Zero Trust Architecture and secure-by-design principles. Be ready to discuss how these can be applied to the HELIX® platform, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Technical Leadership
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've led teams in implementing security architectures. Highlight your ability to guide teams on secure coding practices and compliance activities, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Understand the Customer Perspective
Familiarise yourself with the types of customers Bright Ascension serves, especially those in regulated sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you would articulate the security strategy to these clients and build their confidence in HELIX's security.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would approach securing a cloud deployment or addressing compliance issues, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
