At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical design and architecture for network infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, a leader in coastal services.
- Benefits: Generous salary, Civil Service pension, 25+ days leave, and flexible working.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology solutions that save lives at sea.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture methodology and strong technical design skills.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 82430 £ per year.
Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: £57,515 - DDaT Allowances up to £24,915
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
The MCA Architecture & Engineering function enables the organisation to deliver world class services as a coastal state and search & rescue capability in UK waters. It is a centre of excellence that is responsible for the technology strategy, delivering a broad portfolio of change to transform the Agency’s existing technologies, and deliver innovative new solutions designed around our business needs.
As a Lead Technical Architect (Networks), you will provide technical leadership and architectural design. You will work with multiple projects and teams on problems that require broad architectural thinking.
Top Responsibilities- Undertake analysis of current network infrastructure within the business, translating this analysis into technology roadmaps and designs that describe the possible solutions and technology choices.
- Engage with design and delivery partners to ensure low-level designs are created, be consulted on design decisions, and provide design guidance.
- Manage the network infrastructure portfolio for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and identify deeper technology issues in existing systems that may need fixing.
- Communicate the technology roadmap for Network Infrastructure with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ensure that the knowledge of the MCA architecture is maintained in the architecture repository as well as be compliant with the architecture strategy and principles.
- Be responsible for leading the technical design of systems and services, justifying and communicating design decisions.
- Assure other services and system quality, ensuring the technical work fits into the broader strategy for government.
- Provide leadership to other architects.
Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
Access to the staff discount portal.
Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About YouTo be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- A functional appreciation of the application and technology architecture domains;
- A strong understanding of deployment models, including; Serverless computing, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS);
- Strong experience of architecture methodology and tools, design and modelling techniques, and best practice;
- You will be expert in turning business problems into technical design and can design systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact and business or technical complexity;
- You will be proficient in evolving and defining governance and take responsibility for collaborating and supporting services in wider governance;
- You will be proficient in defining and challenging strategies, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements.
The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.
The base pay is £57,515. In addition to this, the role attracts a DDaT pay allowance that is assessed at Interview and can increase pay up to a maximum of £82,430, the additional allowance is non-pensionable and is dependent on a score assessed during the interview process. The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.
How to Apply: Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4alScTp
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Wednesday 8th July 2026.
Contact Details:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technical Architect in Southampton
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Maritime and Coastguard Agency who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technical Architect in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Maritime and Coastguard Agency!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime and Coastguard Agency
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
