At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of Virtual Environment solutions in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge aerospace and defence organisation with a focus on digital engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, fully remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to advanced digital engineering concepts and methodologies.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the aerospace sector while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in enterprise architecture and active SC clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 91.75 - 91.75 £ per hour.
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Rate: Up to £91.75/hour
Clearance: Active SC is mandatory
The opportunity
We're seeking an Enterprise Architect to support sensitive aerospace and defence programmes in Reading. This contract position focuses on Digital Engineering, with responsibility for integrating Virtual Environment solutions across the wider Digital Engineering landscape - covering people, process, and technology.
You'll act as the focal point for Virtual Environment architecture, providing expert guidance across the delivery organisation and helping drive governance, reuse, and secure-by-design principles across the lifecycle.
What you'll be doing (key responsibilities)
- Develop and maintain high-level and low-level designs (HLD/LLD).
- Provide architectural leadership across people, process, and technology for Virtual Environment / Digital Engineering.
- Support delivery of Digital Twin / Digital Thread, virtual testing, qualification/certification, and training solutions.
- Apply modelling & simulation principles including real-time/time-domain simulation and 'fail first' integration philosophy.
- Translate architecture policies and risk requirements into actionable design standards, governance, and compliance frameworks.
- Support architectural governance, security, regulatory and audit requirements.
- Write and manage RFI and RFQ, and contribute to tool/platform evaluations and proofs of concept.
- Work closely with Product Owners, Delivery Managers, engineering teams, IT, and suppliers - managing stakeholder expectations and delivery impacts.
What we're looking for (requirements)
- Strong Enterprise / Business Architecture experience within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace/defence environments.
- Active SC clearance (mandatory); DV preferred.
- Experience across enterprise, system, data, and technical architecture.
- Strong understanding of digital engineering concepts (digital twins, digital thread, virtual environments, simulation).
- Experience architecting IT software development environments and working across the systems engineering lifecycle.
- Degree in a relevant discipline (Computer Science / IT / Engineering / Maths/Stats or similar) plus architecture certifications such as TOGAF / ArchiMate / CISSP / cloud architecture.
- Desirable / nice to have: Microsoft Azure certification/experience, SAFe / Agile delivery experience, Exposure to CI/CD, DevSecOps, Knowledge of Docker / Kubernetes, Reporting/analytics tools (e.g., Power BI), Flight simulation / synthetic environments exposure.
Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote in Reading employer: Defence
As a Senior Network Engineer at our Basildon location, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to supporting critical defence projects. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, offering unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology in a secure environment. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to meaningful work, we provide an excellent platform for those looking to make a significant impact in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote in Reading
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote role you’re after at Defence.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Defence a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Defence.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote at Defence, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Enterprise Architect - Fully Remote, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Defence a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Defence specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Defence, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Defence want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
