At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver secure solutions for critical Defence programmes.
- Company: Join BT's Defence & Defence Industry Partners team, a leader in secure communications.
- Benefits: Tailored benefits, 25 days holiday, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor colleagues and grow in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical solutions and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Please note - you will be required to have (or gain) Security Clearance for this role - please only apply if you are eligible (5 years MINIMUM UK residency).
About the role
Join BT's Defence & Defence Industry Partners team as a Solution Architect Specialist, where your work will help design and deliver secure solutions that support critical Defence programmes and contribute to keeping the UK safe and secure. As a trusted partner to Defence sector customers, BT plays a vital role in enabling secure, resilient communications and digital capabilities across some of the most sensitive environments. In this role, you will be part of that mission - helping to protect national interests while delivering meaningful outcomes for customers and society. You'll work closely with colleagues across business, technology, security and operations, as well as external partners, to turn customer needs into practical, secure and scalable solutions. You will also be a trusted technical leader—bringing clarity, confidence and direction so teams deliver at their best, especially in complex and fast‑changing environments.
What you'll be doing
- Support Sales teams with customer engagements.
- Support Bid teams in responding to private/public sector bids and proposals.
- Create solutions meeting the customer needs in addressing business and technical challenges and deliver clear outcomes.
- Take overall solution architecture design ownership.
- Provide clear technical direction, helping teams deliver with confidence and focus.
- Act as a trusted leader, bringing clarity and confidence in complex situations.
- Work with stakeholders to understand business and technical requirements.
- Prepare recommendations and design documents, highlighting risks and dependencies.
- Develop solution roadmaps and governance structures.
- Provide input to senior stakeholders on architecture direction and understand the value of proposed solutions.
- Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture and secure by design standards.
- Promote good practice in architecture governance throughout the solution's life cycle.
- Keep up to date with industry trends and best practice.
- Contribute to programmes that support wider business goals.
- Share knowledge and support continuous improvement across the team.
- Support and mentor colleagues to build team capability.
Essential Skills / Experience
- Experience designing and delivering end‑to‑end technical solutions that meet customer needs.
- Ability to understand business requirements and turn them into practical solution designs.
- Experience working with stakeholders across business, technology and support teams.
- Experience in responding to customer engagements, and private/public sector bids and proposals.
- Experience in Telecommunication and connectivity systems, including enterprise networking and service provider environments.
- Knowledge of cloud or hosted technologies and how they integrate into wider solutions.
- Understanding of cyber security principles, including secure by design and risk awareness.
- Awareness of operational service management systems, including lifecycle considerations.
- Ability to create clear bid documents, proposals and recommendations.
- Awareness of architecture governance, standards and compliance requirements.
- Ability to problem solve, identify risks, dependencies and impacts within a solution.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical ideas clearly.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Experience working in defence or secure environments.
- Understanding of model‑based system engineering within the context of an ICT solution.
- Experience of network security, boundary protection or secure architectures.
- Experience with cloud platforms or modern infrastructure approaches.
- Understanding of solution roadmaps and long‑term planning.
- Professional certifications (e.g. TOGAF, MBSE, Secure by Design and vendor certifications).
Our Package
Tailored benefits make a real difference. That's why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life. You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:
- 10% on target annual bonus
- 25 days Holiday
- Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family
- Market‑leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off
- Equalised maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks' full pay and 8 weeks' half pay
- Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband
- Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us
- Holiday purchase scheme
You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you're ready.
Defence Solutions Architect with Security Clearance in Bristol employer: BT Security
BT is an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Defence Solutions Architect role, as it offers a dynamic work environment where innovation meets national security. With a strong commitment to employee growth, BT provides tailored benefits, including a generous annual bonus, extensive leave options, and access to private healthcare, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative culture fosters teamwork across various sectors, empowering you to make a meaningful impact while working on critical Defence programmes that contribute to the safety and security of the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Solutions Architect with Security Clearance in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. We want you to share your experiences in a way that highlights your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise, especially in complex situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of current trends in defence and cybersecurity. Being up-to-date not only impresses interviewers but also demonstrates your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Solutions Architect with Security Clearance in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in designing and delivering technical solutions. Use the job description as a guide to showcase how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, include examples of how you've effectively explained complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders. This will help us see your ability to lead and bring clarity in complex situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in defence or secure environments, as well as your knowledge of cyber security principles. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges we face in this sector.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at BT Security
✨Know Your Security Clearance
Make sure you understand the requirements and process for obtaining Security Clearance. Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and any relevant experience that demonstrates your trustworthiness and reliability.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to talk about your experience in designing and delivering end-to-end technical solutions. Highlight specific projects where you've turned business requirements into practical designs, especially in defence or secure environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical ideas in simple terms, as you'll need to convey clarity and confidence to both technical teams and stakeholders.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with BT's mission in the Defence sector. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Solutions Architect can contribute to national security and the delivery of meaningful outcomes for customers and society.
