Network Solutions Architect - Space
Network Solutions Architect - Space

Network Solutions Architect - Space

Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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CGI

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and integrate a cutting-edge Network Management System for satellite operations.
  • Company: Join CGI, a top-rated employer known for innovation in IT systems integration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, pension, and a share scheme.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact in space and defence technology.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 5-7 years of experience in network architecture required.
  • Other info: CGI values inclusivity and offers extensive training to help you grow your career.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

Position Description:

The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.

CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List and has been named one of the ‘World’s Best Employers’ by Forbes magazine. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you’ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We’ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

CGI are seeking a Network Solutions Architect to support the architecture, design, and integration of a new Network Management System (NMS) for satellite operations, aligned with the satellite Network Operations Centre framework. The NMS, built on a third-party COTS platform, will provide end-to-end monitoring, control, and configuration management across ground networks, core networks, satellites, and mission control systems.

Your future duties and responsibilities:

The architect will ensure that the NMS delivers high availability, scalability, fault management, and performance monitoring to support the operational resilience of satellite constellations and global ground assets.

Key Responsibilities:
Architecture & Design
• Define and maintain the end-to-end NMS architecture, leveraging COTS concepts such as drivers, alarm correlation, automation scripts, and Visio-based operational views.
• Design robust interfaces (SNMP, REST, Smart-Serial, APIs) with external systems including:
• Ensure alignment with subsystem ICDs and external integration requirements.

System Development & Integration
• Oversee the design of NMs drivers), ensuring distributed monitoring at remote ground stations and centralized performance aggregation.
• Lead the design of Configuration Management (CM) functions including inventory, automated file generation and distribution through orchestration.
• Ensure proper implementation of redundancy, failover, and backup/restore mechanisms.

Performance & Monitoring
• Define strategies for end-to-end monitoring including synthetic flows (global system health) and analytic flows (fault isolation and troubleshooting).
• Specify KPIs and aggregation rules for ground networks, satellites, and service providers
• Collaborate with operations to design dashboards, alarm templates, and correlation rules for proactive monitoring.

Security & Compliance
• Support role-based access control (RBAC), secure file handling, and communication into the system architecture.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace security frameworks and OneWeb/CGI enterprise security policies.

Stakeholder Engagement
• Work with mission operations, software engineers, and NOC subsystem teams to validate architecture decisions.
• Act as technical authority in design reviews, use-case validations, and operational workshops.
• Present architectural roadmaps and risk assessments to leadership and clients.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in network architecture and management systems, ideally within satellite, aerospace, or defence communications.
• Strong knowledge of: Network protocols (SNMP, NETCONF, RESTCONF, HTTP APIs), Network orchestration, automation, and monitoring platforms.
• Redundant, distributed architectures and high-availability design.
• Familiarity with satellite ground systems (GN, PoP, SAP, SOC) and core/WAN integration.
• Experience with configuration management databases, performance analytics, and alarm management systems.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into architecture specifications

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale NMS deployments in telecom or space industries.
• Experience with COTS products (e.g., DataMiner), driver development, and custom integrations.
• Familiarity with cloud-native deployment (microservices, containers, Kubernetes).
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, ITIL.

#LI-FP1

Skills:

  • Configuration Management
  • Integration Management
  • Network Architecture
  • Solutions Architecture
  • Network Solutions Architect - Space employer: CGI

    CGI is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the 'World’s Best Employers' by Forbes and featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, CGI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits including private healthcare and a share scheme, and fosters a collaborative work culture that empowers you to take ownership of your career from day one. Join us in Manchester, where you'll be part of a friendly community dedicated to innovation in the space, defence, and intelligence sectors.
    CGI

    Contact Detail:

    CGI Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Network Solutions Architect - Space

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and protocols mentioned in the job description, such as SNMP, REST, and network orchestration tools. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your experience during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the space and defence sectors through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with industry groups or forums can provide insights into the latest trends and challenges, which you can discuss in your interviews to demonstrate your passion and knowledge.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully designed or implemented network solutions. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your work on previous projects, especially in high-availability environments.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research CGI's recent projects and initiatives in the space sector. Understanding their current focus areas will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission and values.

    We think you need these skills to ace Network Solutions Architect - Space

    Network Architecture Design
    Satellite Communications
    Network Management Systems (NMS)
    Configuration Management
    Performance Monitoring
    Network Protocols (SNMP, REST, HTTP APIs)
    High-Availability Design
    Distributed Architectures
    Cloud-Native Deployment (Microservices, Kubernetes)
    Alarm Management Systems
    Technical Documentation
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Security Compliance
    Automation and Orchestration
    Analytical Problem-Solving

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in network architecture and management systems, particularly in satellite, aerospace, or defence communications. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise with network protocols and high-availability design.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your ability to define and maintain end-to-end NMS architecture and your familiarity with COTS products.

    Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects related to network management systems or satellite operations, be sure to include these in your application. Detail your role, the technologies used, and the outcomes achieved to illustrate your hands-on experience.

    Highlight Certifications: Mention any industry certifications you hold, such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE or AWS/Azure Solutions Architect. These can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field.

    How to prepare for a job interview at CGI

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Network Solutions Architect does, especially in the context of satellite operations. Familiarise yourself with key responsibilities like architecture design, system integration, and performance monitoring.

    ✨Showcase Relevant Experience

    Prepare to discuss your past experiences that align with the job requirements. Highlight any work you've done with network protocols, configuration management, or large-scale NMS deployments, particularly in aerospace or defence.

    ✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

    Be ready to dive deep into technical discussions. Brush up on network orchestration, automation platforms, and security compliance. You might be asked to explain how you would approach specific challenges related to high availability and fault management.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Discuss how you validated architecture decisions and presented technical information to non-technical audiences.

    Network Solutions Architect - Space
    CGI
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