At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver secure infrastructure solutions in a high-assurance environment.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on cutting-edge security architecture.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible contract, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring security in complex infrastructures and modern technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Security Architect with strong infrastructure skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Clearance: Active DV + Active NPPV3 (both required)
Start: ASAP (subject to clearance verification)
Rate: Competitive (DOE)
Overview
We are looking for a highly experienced Security Architect with a strong Infrastructure Architecture background to support the design, assurance and delivery of secure platforms in a high-assurance environment. This role suits someone who can operate across enterprise infrastructure, networks, hosting platforms, identity, endpoint, and cloud, producing clear architecture artefacts and driving security-by-design through engineering teams. You will be working across complex estates (legacy + modern) and supporting secure transformation, ensuring infrastructure designs align to relevant UK security standards and governance.
Key Responsibilities (Security + Infrastructure Architecture)
- Own and deliver security architecture for infrastructure solutions covering:
- Data centres / hosting platforms, virtualisation, storage, backup, DR, and platform services
- Network architecture (segmentation, routing, firewalls, proxies, secure remote access)
- Identity & access architecture (AD, Azure AD/Entra ID, federation, PAM)
- Endpoint / server hardening (Windows/Linux baselines, configuration management, patching)
- Cloud and hybrid connectivity and security patterns (where applicable)
- Produce high-quality architecture documentation, including:
- HLD/LLD, security design packs, reference architectures, patterns/standards, and roadmaps
- Security requirements, control mappings, and architecture decision records
- Lead threat modelling and risk assessments on infrastructure designs; define mitigations and proportionate controls.
- Drive secure-by-design outcomes: work with infrastructure engineers, network teams, platform teams and vendors to implement secure architectures.
- Provide assurance through governance forums (design authorities / architecture review boards), ensuring designs are supportable, compliant, and operationally viable.
- Define and assure controls for:
- Network segmentation / zero trust principles
- Encryption in transit/at rest, key management, certificate services/PKI
- Secure administration models (jump hosts/bastions, privileged access workflows)
- Logging/monitoring/SIEM integration and security observability
- Support operational security posture: contribute to hardening standards, vulnerability management approaches, secure build pipelines, and incident learnings.
Demonstrable experience as a Security Architect with deep Infrastructure Architecture capability. Comfortable producing "client-ready" architecture artefacts and presenting them to senior technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong knowledge of UK security frameworks and standards such as:
- NCSC guidance, HMG Security Policy Framework (SPF), secure architecture principles
- ISO 27001/27002, NIST, CIS (where appropriate)
Strong grasp of security controls and how they apply to infrastructure (network, compute, identity, endpoint). Ability to balance security, operability, performance and cost in design decisions. Experience supporting assurance/accreditation style activity (e.g., control mapping, risk treatment approaches). Knowledge of DevSecOps / secure automation (IaC concepts, CI/CD security controls). Prior work in highly sensitive environments with strict governance, auditability, and separation-of-duties requirements.
Infrastructure Security Architect employer: IO Associates
Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Infrastructure Security Architect
✨Get Engaged in Cybersecurity Communities
Dive into online forums or local meetups, like OWASP events or Cybersecurity conferences. These spaces are packed with pros who can share insights and might even know about temporary roles at places like IO Associates.
✨Showcase Your Skills Publicly
Link your GitHub or create a series of blogs sharing your knowledge on cybersecurity topics. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attract attention from hiring managers, especially when they see your passion in action.
✨Stay On Top of Temp Opportunities
Keep an eye on platforms that list temporary positions specifically in tech. Websites focusing on contract roles in cybersecurity can lead straight to employers like IO Associates.
✨Make Contact with Recruiters Specialising in Cybersecurity
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on cybersecurity roles. They often have insights into temporary roles before they’re advertised and can put your name forward to companies like IO Associates.
We think you need these skills to ace Infrastructure Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In cybersecurity, it's vital to highlight your skills with relevant tools and technologies. Make sure your CV showcases your experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and any cybersecurity frameworks you've worked with. This gives IO Associates a clear view of your capabilities right off the bat.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, flaunt them! These not only validate your skills but also show that you’re committed to the field. Add a section to your CV specifically for this, because in a temporary role like this, those credentials can really set you apart.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:For a temporary position, we want to see your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. Make your cover letter specific to the role at IO Associates; mention why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits your career goals. A personal touch can make a big difference!
Don’t Forget the Soft Skills:In cybersecurity, technical skills are crucial, but so are soft skills like teamwork and communication. Make sure to weave examples of how you've collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas into your application. This shows that you're not just a tech whizz but also a great team player, perfect for a temporary role at IO Associates.
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware analysis. During the interview with IO Associates for the Infrastructure Security Architect, be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you tackled security threats or vulnerabilities.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Cybersecurity is all about thinking on your feet. Expect technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might be presented with a mock security breach scenario, so practising your responses to potential threats can be a game changer!
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
As this is a temporary role, showing that you're adaptable and quick to learn is crucial. Talk about times you've picked up new skills or reacted to changing situations quickly. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and keep things secure during your short stay at IO Associates.
✨Bring Relevant Certifications
If you have any relevant cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, be sure to mention them. This can really help you stand out during a temporary hiring process, as it showcases your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the Infrastructure Security Architect role at IO Associates.
