Technical Architect in Reading

We are looking for an experienced Technical Architect to join our Cloud Engineering and Platforms practice. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role where you will design and build secure, automated, scalable cloud platforms - primarily on Microsoft Azure, while contributing to our strategic direction across multi‑cloud (AWS and GCP). This role is ideal for a pragmatic architect who pairs deep engineering capability with strong architectural vision — someone who can design “what good looks like” and build it using modern DevOps practices, automation, and robust hands‑on infrastructure‑as‑code (IaC) experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Cloud Architecture & Design: Translate business needs into secure, scalable architectures using Well Architected Frameworks. Lead platform architecture (subscriptions, identity, networking, governance, landing zones, automation) and embed NFRs such as resilience, observability, DR, capacity, and SLAs.
• Cloud Platform Engineering & DevOps: Build automated cloud platforms using IaC (Terraform, Bicep, CloudFormation, ARM, GitOps). Develop CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, GitLab) and reusable modules, guardrails, and policy as code to support secure, consistent cloud adoption.
• Security and DevSecOps: Apply end to end security across identity, networking, encryption, secrets, MFA, and zero trust. Implement automated security scanning (SAST/DAST), dependency checks, and secure pipeline patterns, aligning platforms with organisational and regulatory standards.
• Technical Leadership and Delivery: Act as technical authority, setting architectural direction, standards, and providing mentoring and quality oversight. Work across the full project lifecycle: presales, discovery, architectural design, hands‑on engineering, delivery oversight, and operational handover.

About You

• Hands on cloud architect with strong engineering capability.
• Experienced in designing and building secure cloud solutions (ideally Azure, with awareness of AWS or GCP) and cloud ready, distributed, scalable architectures.
• Skilled at leading technical discussions and articulating architectural decisions, trade offs, risks, and business value to clients and colleagues.
• Advanced knowledge of IaC automation (Terraform, Bicep, CloudFormation) with strong DevOps skills across CI/CD pipelines, automation, and modern development practices.
• Applies secure-by-design principles across infrastructure, identity, and networking, producing high quality architecture documentation and diagrams.
• Knowledgeable in cost analysis, optimisation, ROI modelling, and experienced working within agile delivery environments.

Knowledge and experience of the following would be advantageous:

• Cloud certifications such as Azure/AWS/GCP Solutions Architect, along with CCSP or equivalent.
• Consulting or client facing project leadership experience.
• Experience with .NET or Python and modern infrastructure practices such as immutable deployments and GitOps.
• Familiar with cloud‑native security tooling and contributing to internal platform frameworks or shared services.

What we look for in our people:

• Strong alignment with FSP values and ethos.
• Commitment to teamwork, quality and mutual success.
• Proactivity with an ability to operate with pace and energy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dedication to excellence and quality.

Who are FSP?

FSP is a leading consultancy specialising in Digital, Security and AI solutions. Our success is enabled by our unwavering commitment to excellence, our people centric culture alongside best-in-class operations, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes for our clients. As a long standing and highly accredited Microsoft Partner, with extensive solution designations, we partner with clients across a range of commercial sectors, enabling digital transformation, innovation and robust cyber security. We navigate the complexities of data sensitivity, confidentiality, governance and compliance. We blend strategic insight, depth of technical expertise, delivery and operational excellence to meet the specific requirements outlined. We take a collaborative, one team approach with our clients to drive sustainable change, providing outstanding client experience and delivering exceptional results that are aligned with business priorities. Our commitment to security and quality is reinforced by our ISO27001 and ISO9001 certifications (UKAS), as well as our CREST approved penetration testing and SOC capabilities. Additionally, we are an IASME Cyber Essentials Certification Body and Cyber Essentials Plus certified.

Why work for FSP?

• A collaborative and supportive environment in which you can grow and develop your career.
• The tools and opportunity to do work you can be proud of.
• A chance to work alongside some of the best people in the industry, who always seek to share their knowledge and experience.
• Hybrid working – we empower you to make smart choices about when and where to work to achieve great results.
• Industry leading coaching and mentoring.
• Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Equal and Fair Opportunity

FSP is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all suitable candidates. We consider all applicants for employment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief. Research suggests that applicants from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles if they do not precisely meet requirements, or if they felt there were clear barriers as to who should apply. If you are excited about a potential role with us but are concerned that you may not be a perfect fit, please do apply, as you may be the ideal candidate for this role or for a different vacancy within FSP. We endeavour to always provide fair opportunity for applicants to showcase themselves in the best way possible during any interviews or meetings. If you require any adjustments for a call or in-person meeting, please let us know.