At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of secure, scalable solutions for mission-critical digital projects.
- Company: Join a high-performing team in a leading tech organisation near Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while collaborating with experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and solution design; SC clearance required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Near Bristol (regular on-site presence required)
Security: SC clearance (active or eligible)
Nationality: UK National
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to join a high-performing team delivering complex, mission-critical digital and ICT solutions for a large, highly regulated UK organisation. This role sits at the heart of major transformation programmes, requiring strong systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and technical leadership across the full solution lifecycle.
You will work closely with senior client stakeholders, engineering teams, and delivery partners to translate business needs into robust, secure, and scalable technical solutions. The role combines enterprise architecture, systems engineering, and hands-on solution design, with a strong emphasis on assurance, integration, and delivery. Candidates must be located near Bristol or able to attend site regularly.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage with clients to understand business objectives, operational pain points, and technical constraints, acting as a trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME).
- Lead the definition and communication of As-Is and To-Be architectures across services, systems, and enterprise landscapes.
- Elicit, analyse, and manage user, service, and system requirements throughout the programme lifecycle, including acceptance criteria and measures of effectiveness.
- Conduct solution options analysis, presenting clear, evidence-based technical options aligned to cost, risk, performance, and delivery objectives.
- Produce high-quality solution design documentation, including High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs).
- Provide technical leadership to solution architects and system integrators during design, build, integration, and test phases.
- Define and oversee verification, validation, and acceptance activities with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Develop overarching test strategies, plans, and scripts, supporting integrated system testing and solution acceptance.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences, including senior non-technical stakeholders.
- Apply best-practice architecture and systems engineering principles to ensure solutions are secure, resilient, and future-proof.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Systems Engineering & Solution Design
- Requirements management, including user stories and use-case modelling.
- Technical solution options analysis and trade-off assessment.
- Production of HLDs, LLDs, and supporting design artefacts.
- Integrated testing, verification & validation, and solution acceptance.
Architecture & Modelling
- Enterprise and solution architecture design experience.
- Use of industry-standard frameworks and modelling techniques (e.g. TOGAF, ArchiMate, UML).
Technology & Delivery
- Strong understanding of modern digital technologies, including cloud hosting, virtualised platforms, and emerging technologies such as AI.
- Experience designing or deploying cloud-based infrastructure (e.g. Azure, AWS).
- Knowledge of containerisation and orchestration technologies.
- Experience working within Agile or SAFe delivery environments.
Domain Experience (Desirable)
- Experience delivering solutions in highly regulated or security-critical environments.
- Exposure to Defence or Government ICT systems, including secure hosting environments.
- Knowledge of GIS or geospatial technologies is advantageous.
Qualifications & Clearance
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
- Relevant professional accreditation is desirable.
- Active SC clearance or eligibility to obtain it is essential.
- UK National status required.
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, nationally significant programmes at scale, influencing architecture decisions that have real-world impact. You'll collaborate with experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Solution Architect - Security Cleared in Bristol employer: Computer Futures / SThree Group
Contact Detail:
Computer Futures / SThree Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Architect - Security Cleared in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events near Bristol. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in solution architecture. Include case studies, design documents, and any relevant projects. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially in the context of security and regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their mission-critical solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect - Security Cleared in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Solution Architect. Highlight your experience with systems engineering, solution design, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in a regulated environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with clients and led technical solutions, and don’t forget to mention your SC clearance status!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your knowledge of cloud technologies, architecture frameworks like TOGAF, and any experience with Agile methodologies. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 to join our high-performing team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Computer Futures / SThree Group
✨Know Your Architecture
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise and solution architecture principles. Be ready to discuss frameworks like TOGAF or ArchiMate, and how you've applied them in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to demonstrate your experience in stakeholder engagement. Think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. This is crucial for the role, so having a few anecdotes ready will help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with cloud technologies like Azure or AWS, as well as your understanding of containerisation and orchestration. Prepare to explain how you’ve designed or deployed solutions in these environments, as this will be key to your success in the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to analyse solution options. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with technical challenges, including how you would approach verification and validation activities in a highly regulated environment.