At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape secure architectures for complex environments and ensure robust security principles are embedded.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security solutions while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Professional certifications in Cyber Security and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Leonardo to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Your impact
Leonardo UK is seeking a Senior Cyber Security Architect to join our Cyber & Security Solutions Division. In this role, you will shape secure‐by‐design architectures for complex customer environments, ensuring that security principles, patterns and controls are embedded from the outset. You will translate business and mission objectives into robust, risk‐informed security architectures and produce clear, actionable artefacts that guide the safe, consistent and resilient implementation of platforms and services.
You will work in an agile, collaborative environment with a hybrid blend of home and on‐site working, maintaining close engagement with colleagues, engineering teams and customers.
What you will do as a Senior Security Architect
- Relate — Build trusted relationships with customers, understanding their mission, constraints and operational context. Engage with stakeholders at all levels to ensure architectural decisions align with their objectives.
- Understand — Analyse complex systems and requirements, even with incomplete information, to define secure architectural options grounded in recognised security principles, patterns and frameworks.
- Assess — Apply a risk‐based approach to architecture. Identify threats, vulnerabilities and design weaknesses, and articulate these in business‐relevant language to support informed decision‐making.
- Treat — Define proportionate, layered security architectures across people, process and technology. Recommend security controls, patterns and design approaches that enable customers to meet their objectives while managing risk effectively.
- Assure — Develop and apply architectural assurance criteria. Conduct design reviews, compliance assessments and architecture governance activities to ensure solutions meet required standards and regulatory expectations.
- Develop — Contribute to Leonardo's architectural frameworks, reusable patterns and security offerings. Support business development by shaping technical solutions and providing architectural leadership in bids and proposals.
What you'll bring
This role offers the opportunity to influence major programmes and ensure that solutions meet the highest security and architectural standards. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of consultants, engineers and domain specialists.
Core Skills
- Strong consulting and stakeholder‐engagement skills
- Ability to communicate complex architectural concepts clearly
- Adaptability, reliability and high‐quality delivery
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team development
Qualifications
- Recognised professional certifications in Cyber Security, such as Sec+, CISMP, CISSP, CCSP, SABSA, TOGAF and AWS/Azure cloud certifications.
Knowledge and Experience
- Deep understanding of TCP/IP, OSI layers, network protocols and associated architectural risks
- Ability to derive security requirements and architectural controls from high‐level functional or mission objectives
- Experience decomposing complex systems into modular, secure architectural components
- Ability to lead architectural workstreams and influence delivery outcomes across time, cost and quality
- Strong stakeholder management, balancing technical clarity with empathy and business awareness
- Experience mentoring junior architects or consultants
- Ability to articulate the rationale for architectural security controls to both technical and non‐technical audiences
- Technical depth in network, application, cloud or system security architecture, including control design and threat mitigation
- Understanding of the UK MOD, defence or national security domain is beneficial
Leonardo welcomes applicants who may not meet every requirement. A strong security mindset, architectural curiosity and willingness to learn are the most important attributes.
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).
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.
- 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 & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Architect in Clifton
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Leonardo, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Leonardo
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Leonardo. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Architect in Clifton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Leonardo insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Leonardo that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Leonardo to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Leonardo.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
