At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative solution designs for critical missions and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a forward-thinking tech company dedicated to shaping the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a strong pension scheme, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and extensive learning opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in solution architecture and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your impact
Are you ready to shape and lead solution designs that underpin the UK’s most critical missions? At Leonardo, our Senior Solutions Architects are trusted experts who provide technical leadership across programmes, influence roadmaps, and ensure solutions are secure, resilient, and future-ready. Your work at Leonardo UK will see you take the lead in solving customer problems in an agile, innovative and team-centric manner. The role may involve a blended hybrid working model, with a mixture of working from home and working on site at one of our Leonardo offices to ensure close collaboration with the wider team and with our customers.
What you will do as a Senior Solutions Architect
- Act as the technical authority for solution design across large-scale or multi-project programmes.
- Define and evolve architectures that balance customer needs, enterprise principles, and secure-by-design standards.
- Contribute to divisional and line-of-business roadmaps, identifying opportunities for technology insertion and innovation.
- Lead technical reviews, trade-off studies, and risk assessments for major design decisions.
- Mentor and coach Solutions Architects and Engineers, raising capability across the community.
- Represent Leonardo at senior customer forums, technical boards, and industry events.
- Support business winning, including solution strategy, bids, and proposal development.
- Champion best practice, reuse, and model-based design approaches across the architecture community.
What you’ll bring
- Extensive technical expertise with a proven track record of designing secure, integrated solutions.
- Ability to influence technical strategy and act as a recognised authority within your domain.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Proven experience in solution architecture across multiple domains (infrastructure, applications, data, networking, cloud).
- Strong knowledge of enterprise and solution architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, MODAF, NAF).
- Advanced understanding of secure system design principles and cyber security standards.
- Experience shaping architectures within Agile or SAFe delivery environments.
- Ability to mentor, coach, and provide thought leadership within a technical community.
Desirable:
- Industry certifications (TOGAF, AWS/Azure Architect, ArchiMate).
- Experience contributing to technology roadmaps and enterprise strategy.
- Familiarity with service design, operational transformation, and digital modernisation.
- Exposure to cloud-native, DevSecOps, and automation approaches.
- Experience presenting at technical boards, customer forums, or industry conferences.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Location
This role can be based at one of our UK sites, typically Bristol, with hybrid/custom working options where appropriate. Customer is based in Reading.
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech.
Solutions Architect employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Leonardo 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 brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of secure system design principles. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past—real-world examples go a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! Communication is key, especially when engaging with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently; it’ll make a great impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in solution architecture. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical skills! We want to see your proven track record in designing secure, integrated solutions. Mention any relevant frameworks or certifications you have.
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this role. Make sure your application reflects your ability to engage with senior stakeholders. Keep it clear, concise, and professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Solutions Architect, you need to demonstrate your extensive technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of secure system design principles and enterprise architecture frameworks like TOGAF. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented these principles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key when engaging with senior stakeholders. Prepare to articulate complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Practise explaining your past experiences and how they relate to the role, focusing on your ability to influence technical strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past challenges you've encountered in solution design and how you approached them. Be ready to discuss trade-offs, risk assessments, and how you’ve mentored others in similar situations.
✨Research Leonardo's Culture and Values
Understanding the company culture at Leonardo can give you an edge. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to innovation and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of shaping secure and resilient solutions.