At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical architecture and deliver complex solutions in secure Defence environments.
- Company: Specialist technology consultancy focused on innovative Defence solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and hands-on technical leadership.
- Other info: NATO Secret clearance preferred; dynamic role with European travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in secure tech projects while enjoying diverse challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture, cloud, security, and strong leadership skills.
Ncounter is supporting the growth of a specialist technology consultancy delivering complex solutions across secure Defence environments. We are looking for an experienced Technical Architect who can combine architecture and technical leadership with genuinely hands-on delivery. This is not a narrow SME or advisory architecture position. You will work across multiple customer engagements, taking ownership of solutions from early concept and design through build, integration and secure delivery. The environment covers a broad technology landscape, so you will need experience working across software, infrastructure, cloud and security rather than specialising solely within one technology stack.
Key responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end technical architecture across complex customer programmes
- Lead technical workstreams, making and communicating key design decisions
- Work closely with engineering, customer and security teams throughout delivery
- Design across cloud and on-premise infrastructure, virtualisation, containers and Infrastructure as Code
- Shape API-led integration between applications, platforms and enterprise systems
- Support secure and potentially sovereign or air-gapped environments
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring across engineering and architecture teams
Technical experience could include Docker, Kubernetes, Azure, Infrastructure as Code, enterprise APIs, identity and access management, observability and modern DevOps practices. Exposure to AI platforms, LLM integration, RAG, agent frameworks or accelerated compute would be valuable, but we are primarily looking for strong architectural breadth and the ability to deliver complex technology in secure environments. Previous Defence or National Security experience is important. Current NATO SECRET clearance is strongly preferred, although candidates holding active SC who can obtain NATO SECRET quickly may also be considered.
The role will involve regular collaboration with the wider team alongside approximately 3 to 4 days per month at customer or technology partner locations across Europe. If you are an experienced Technical Architect who still enjoys being close to the technology and wants ownership across varied, secure and technically challenging programmes, contact Ncounter to discuss the role in confidence.
Technical Architect employer: Ncounter Limited
As a leading player in the Defence sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our Senior Business Analysts. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with unique opportunities to engage with senior military and civilian stakeholders while working on critical national security projects. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to supporting our team members through training and development, we ensure that your career progresses alongside the impactful work you do in secure environments across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Architect
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Ncounter Limited or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Ncounter Limited.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Ncounter Limited.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Ncounter Limited that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Ncounter Limited.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Ncounter Limited and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ncounter Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Ncounter Limited uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
