At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and evolve technology for services used by millions across the UK.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, a leader in public service transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape impactful digital solutions and grow your architectural skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in application design and understanding of architecture principles required.
The predicted salary is between 44447 - 60920 € per year.
Are you ready to move beyond hands-on engineering and start shaping how systems are designed at scale? As a Technical Architect in DWP Digital, you'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team responsible for designing and evolving the technology that underpins services used by millions of people across the UK. You'll work alongside experienced architects and engineers to help create modern, scalable, and resilient digital solutions in one of the largest transformation programmes in Europe.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong technical background who is ready to step into architectural thinking. You'll influence how services are designed, support decision-making across complex systems, and contribute to building user-centred solutions that make a meaningful difference to people's lives.
The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Experience designing applications across cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments, considering areas such as networking, security, databases, and integrations.
- An understanding of architecture principles and how to apply design patterns, standards, and best practices to real-world solutions.
- Experience working with delivery teams to design solutions across the full lifecycle, from initial concept to go live.
- Ability to turn business needs into clear technical designs that others can understand, build from, and demonstrate.
- Familiarity with using modelling approaches or tools to represent architecture and explain solutions clearly.
We're looking for someone ready to move beyond pure engineering and grow into a senior Architect, supported by clear development pathways and long-term progression in DWP Digital.
You and your role
As a Technical Architect in DWP Digital, you'll help shape the design and delivery of systems that support critical public services. You'll take structured approaches to solving technical problems, producing designs that are secure, scalable, and aligned to wider architectural strategies.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary environment, you'll collaborate closely with engineers, product teams, and other architects to influence solution design and ensure consistency across services. You'll identify opportunities to reuse existing components, improve design approaches, and drive better technical outcomes across complex systems.
You'll also play an important role in governance and assurance, helping teams make informed decisions by clearly presenting architectural designs and explaining trade-offs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
This is a hands-on development opportunity where you'll deepen your technical expertise while building your architectural capability. You'll be supported by experienced architects and surrounded by a strong technical community, giving you the space to grow your influence and take on increasingly complex challenges over time.
If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, is curious about how systems fit together, and wants to play a bigger role in shaping technology decisions, this is a role where you can truly develop and make an impact at scale.
Details. Wages. Perks.
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer pay up to £60,920. That's £44,447 salary plus a Government Digital and Data Allowance of up to £16,473 subject to our assessment of your capability at interview.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth £12,867 per year.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
- Sports and social activities
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards
Process:
We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a two-stage interview online.
Click APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Technical Architect in Preston employer: DWP Digital
DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Technical Architects to shape the design of critical public services in a collaborative and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from clear development pathways, flexible working arrangements, and a generous leave package, all while being part of a diverse team recognised for its commitment to innovation and excellence. Join us in one of our vibrant digital hubs across the UK, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on millions of lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Architect in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DWP Digital on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into architectural principles and design patterns. Brush up on how you've applied these in past projects, as you'll want to showcase your ability to turn business needs into clear technical designs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You'll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to communicate clearly is key to making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the DWP Digital team and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Architect in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with designing applications across various environments. We want to see how you've tackled networking, security, and integrations in your past roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When you're writing your application, clarity is key! We need to understand your thought process and how you approach architectural design. Avoid jargon where possible and make your ideas easy to grasp for both technical and non-technical folks.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to the job description. We’re looking for someone who can connect their experience directly to the role of Technical Architect, so make those links clear.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your Architecture Principles
Make sure you brush up on architecture principles and design patterns before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, as this will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex technical problems in the past. Highlight your structured approach to solving issues and how your solutions have positively impacted projects or teams.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This is crucial for the role, so think of examples where you've successfully communicated designs and trade-offs to diverse audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Modelling Tools
If you have experience with modelling approaches or tools, be ready to discuss them. If not, do a bit of research on common tools used in architecture design, as this knowledge could set you apart during the interview.
