Solution Architect

Solution Architect

Farnborough Full-Time 64700 - 86200 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead technical solutions and architecture for a dynamic programme in defence.
  • Company: Join Leidos, a tech leader focused on making the world safer and more efficient.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 33 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that impact national security while growing your skills in a collaborative culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience in IT solutions, cloud, cyber security, and excellent communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Must obtain Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance; flexible working options available.

The predicted salary is between 64700 - 86200 Β£ per year.

Description

Solution Architect – National Security and Defence (NS&D)

Location: Farnborough office for the majority time with occasional travel to customer locations and working from home.

The Role:

Leidos have an opportunity for an experience Solution Architect to provide solution and technical leadership for programmes, including bids, growth opportunities and project delivery, designing differentiating and innovative solutions and services that address customer\’s business problems.

The Solution Architect will develop innovative approaches and solutions, applying experience and guidelines from past experience and ensuring the quality and credibility of solutions align with programme delivery needs.

You will be expected to have broad knowledge of a large range of technical capabilities and technologies including hardware, software, networks, cloud, data, analytics, IT services and cyber security.

What will I be doing?

  • Provide Solution leadership on assigned programmes and opportunities in the National Security & Defence (NS&D) portfolio, working in conjunction with the Programme leadership and Business Development and Capture communities, meeting key timescales and milestones as necessary to support customer and internal timescales, milestones and governance.
  • Enable delivery of key NS&D programmes by leading Solution execution covering Design, technical Customer engagement, programme innovation, growth and solution quality.
  • Develop solution concepts and high-level narrative material guiding input from identified internal and external SME’s and relevant partners.
  • Work as part of the NS&D Solution Architect team to develop the business landscape and identify and action both short and long-term approaches needed to develop the business and establish key client engagements.
  • Support growth within the NS&D division by bringing and applying domain knowledge across its breadth to enhance the value that Leidos brings to customer opportunities and challenges.
  • Work across the NS&D and wider Office of Technology community to further Leidos capabilities and develop the solution portfolio for the benefit of NS&D and the wider business.
  • Work with the NS&D Chief Architect to provide the optimal approach for design, development and delivery of NS&D capability, whilst supporting the needs of the wider Leidos business.

What does Leidos need from me?

  • Solution and high-level technical designs, solution concepts and approaches, supporting design materials and collateral, White Papers and Points of View, customer and internal briefings, innovation ideas including business cases and solution research briefings and progress and status reports, solutions as part of responding to client opportunities and programme execution.
  • Experience in defining and maintaining the appropriate technical solution for the opportunity or programme. This involves engaging business stakeholders to understand their needs, justifying the strategy to get approvals, communicating it to the business and supporting the assurance of designed solutions.
  • In-depth understanding of technology and technical principles, theories, concepts and their application across range of programmes and contexts.
  • Knowledge and experience of core IT capabilities including Cloud, Infrastructure & Networks, Application including development, Data including database, analytics, AI (including Agentic and Generative) and ML, ITSM including ITIL an ESM, Cyber Security, Automation.
  • 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.
  • Experience conducting technical solution reviews for large programmes and bids to ensure their success.

Experience of the Defence domain is required for this role.

Clearance Requirements:

Applicants must be able to obtain and hold a valid UK DV and meet nationality requirements (sole UK National).

What we do for you:
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:
β€’ Contributory Pension Scheme
β€’ Private Medical Insurance
β€’ 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
β€’ Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)

β€’ Flexi-Time Working

Commitment to Diversity:

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.

Who We Are:

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.

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.

What Makes Us Different:

Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.

Collaboration: having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years. Whether you work from home, the office or on customer sites, we will give you the digital tools and the flexibility to work smarter and align your needs and ours.

People: 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 a 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 β€” because the mission demands it. We\’re not hiring followers. We\’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We\’re already at step 30 β€” and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Β£75,800.00-Β£99,800.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That\’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Solution Architect employer: Leidos

At Leidos, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Solution Architect in Farnborough, you will benefit from a hybrid working policy, extensive professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including a contributory pension scheme and private medical insurance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the fields of defence, healthcare, and technology while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

Leidos Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Solution Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cloud technologies and cyber security, as these are crucial for the Solution Architect role. Being able to discuss recent advancements or case studies during your interview can demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Build a strong network within the defence and technology sectors. Attend relevant industry events or webinars where you can meet professionals who might provide insights or even referrals for the position at Leidos.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your experience in leading technical teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, as this will highlight your leadership capabilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Leidos' current projects and initiatives in the National Security & Defence sector. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their needs.

We think you need these skills to ace Solution Architect

Solution Architecture
Technical Leadership
High-Level Design Artefacts
Change Request Management
Technical Strategy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Systems Requirements Analysis
Functional Analysis
Integration and Verification
Quality Assurance
Cloud Technologies
Cyber Security
Data Analytics
ITIL
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Risk Management
Cost Analysis
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Solution Architect role. Focus on your technical knowledge in areas like cloud, IT services, and cyber security, as well as your ability to lead complex projects.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background makes you a suitable candidate and mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to stakeholders or led teams in previous positions.

Highlight Security Clearance Readiness: If you already have Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance, mention it prominently in your application. If not, indicate your willingness to undergo the clearance process immediately upon successful application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leidos

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Solution Architect does, especially in the context of the defence sector. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as solution oversight, technical leadership, and maintaining design artefacts.

✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss your experience with various technologies relevant to the role, including cloud services, IT infrastructure, and cyber security. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented complex solutions, demonstrating your ability to lead technical discussions.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand, as you'll need to engage with executive leadership.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to resolve complex issues or lead a team through a challenging project, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.

Solution Architect
Leidos
Location: Farnborough

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