At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver secure solutions for critical Defence programmes.
- Company: Join BT's Defence & Defence Industry Partners team.
- 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 55000 - 65000 € 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.
Solution Architect in Bristol employer: BT Security
BT is an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the role of Solution Architect within the Defence & Defence Industry Partners team. With a strong commitment to employee growth and wellbeing, BT offers tailored benefits including a competitive bonus structure, generous holiday allowance, and access to private healthcare services. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and supports continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact while contributing to national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect 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
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects that highlight your skills in designing secure solutions. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for those tricky interview questions by rehearsing your responses with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with end-to-end technical solutions. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Solution Architect role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key, use your application to demonstrate how you can explain complex technical ideas clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in defence or secure environments. If you've worked with telecommunications or cloud technologies, make that stand out in your application!
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 this exciting opportunity with BT's Defence team.
How to prepare for a job interview at BT Security
✨Know Your Security Clearance
Since this role requires Security Clearance, make sure you understand the process and requirements. Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and any relevant experience that demonstrates your commitment to security and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Solution Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to design and deliver end-to-end technical solutions. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully turned business requirements into practical solutions, especially in complex environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey ideas to stakeholders from various backgrounds. Use clear examples to illustrate your points during the interview.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the Defence sector and BT's role within it. Research current trends, challenges, and technologies in secure communications. This knowledge will help you engage meaningfully with interviewers and show your genuine interest in the position.
