Solution Architect (Maritime Autonomy) in Farnborough

Location: Farnborough, with flexibility to work from home dependent on business demands.

We are seeking a highly skilled and security-cleared Solution Architect to lead the architecting and design of modern autonomous and digital C4ISR systems and solutions for maritime defence capabilities and platforms. The role will support multiple maritime and related defence opportunities with the candidate having extensive experience working in the defence industry, with specific expertise in maritime systems and architectures, autonomy, mission systems, and C4ISR integration as well as a good understanding of maritime platform design.

This role will include developing relevant capability roadmaps across the Leidos Maritime area, scoping technology innovation, capability integration, and undertaking customer engagement to position Leidos as a leader in Maritime Defence using cutting-edge technology and leading the solution on bids and opportunities.

The Solution Architect will work closely with programme-specific architects and engineers, programme delivery, business development, wider divisional technical leadership, and customer teams to ensure technical solutions align with customer requirements and operational needs.

• Lead the architecture and design of military maritime solutions, including combat systems, Strike Net, communications, autonomous navigation, and integrated platform management systems, across multiple opportunities.
• Translate complex operational and capability requirements into end-to-end system designs.
• Engage with military stakeholders, engineering teams, partners, and subcontractors to define and validate system architectures and technical roadmaps.
• Review solutions to ensure compliance with military standards, safety, and security requirements (e.g., DEF STAN, STANAG, MIL-STD).
• Support bid and proposal efforts by contributing to the shaping, solution development, and associated governance of the solution architecture and supporting technical proposal and costing reviews.
• Conduct trade studies and design reviews to assess system performance, scalability, and interoperability.
• Provide governance and oversight across engineering delivery to ensure architectural alignment and integration across maritime opportunities.
• Stay abreast of emerging and cutting-edge technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and system improvement including but not limited to uncrewed systems, advanced comms, and AI.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Maritime / Royal Navy / Military service experience.
• Extensive experience in solution or systems architecture within the defence and/or maritime domain.
• Strong understanding of naval platforms (surface ships, submarines, UAVs/USVs, Strike Net, Tactical C4ISR) and their mission requirements.
• Experience in technical governance/sign off and technical design authority roles.
• Understanding of maritime autonomy, technology, policies, and strategy, able to use this to influence Leidos technical strategy and direction.
• Experience with C4ISR systems, weapon systems integration, or naval command systems.
• Knowledge of combat management systems and the latest developments in cross-platform and multi-service data sharing systems.
• Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle (ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288), MBSE, and digital twin concepts.
• Hands-on experience with architecture frameworks (e.g., MODAF, NAF, TOGAF) and tools (e.g., Sparx EA, Cameo).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, safety, and information assurance in defence systems.
• Strong stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.
• Highly skilled at solutioning and designing complex mission-critical systems and services which meet customer needs whilst remaining implementable within schedule and budget.
• Excellent communications skills to engage with executive leadership (internally and client) articulating solution and technical capability aligned to the business challenges.
• Excellent written and presentation communication skills.

• Clearance to Start - SC
• Clearance for Role – SC/DV
• Must be sole UK citizen holding SC clearance with potential to gain DV.

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops, and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
• Flexi-Time Working

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone.

If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growth whilst developing. We believe that extraordinary people need opportunities to grow, to be inspired and to inspire others. At Leidos, we invest in technical academies, career rotations, and career development plans that enhance your future.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail.