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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and design complex defence IT systems with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in innovative defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while collaborating with brilliant minds.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in secure systems architecture and a Chartered Engineer status.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Malvern, England, United Kingdom
Role Type: Permanent – Full Time
Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting edge defence technology to ground breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Principal Technical Architect – IT Platforms at either our Farnborough or Malvern site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As a Principal Technical Architect – IT Platforms, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, designing, and governing complex defence grade IT and mission systems operating. You will be operating at the intersection of technology, security, and operational capability, this role ensures that solutions are architected to meet stringent defence requirements, integrate seamlessly across domains, and are resilient, scalable, and future proof.
Day-to-day, you will work closely with programme leadership, engineering teams, military stakeholders, and industry partners to translate operational needs into robust innovative solutions that enable mission success.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing end to end solution architectures for National Security, Defence IT, C5ISR, mission systems, and secure services and consultancy
- Leading architectural governance, ensuring compliance with MOD standards, JSPs, DEFSTANs, NIST, and relevant NATO frameworks
- Shaping technical roadmaps aligned with growth roadmaps and long-term defence strategies evaluating and selecting technologies across cloud, edge computing, secure networks, data platforms, AI/ML, and mission critical software
- Collaborating with senior military users, programme managers, and engineering leads to capture operational needs and translate them into technical solutions
- Being responsible for the delivery of compelling and innovative solutions to successfully win and deliver competitive bids and projects
- Providing architectural oversight throughout the solution lifecycle, from bid and concept development to delivery and in service support
Essential experience of the Principal Technical Architect – IT Platforms:
- Extensive experience architecting secure, complex systems within defence, national security, aerospace, or similarly regulated sectors
- Deep knowledge of different technologies such as – Secure networks and cross domain solutions, Cloud and Hybrid architectures, Data architectures/integration/interoperability standards, Mission systems/sensors/platform integration, and Cybersecurity/cryptographic controls
- A strong understanding of MOD acquisition frameworks, security classifications, and secure by design principles
- Expertise in systems engineering, enterprise architecture and model based approaches
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders
Essential qualifications for the Principal Technical Architect – IT Platforms:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent relevant experience
This role is 37 hours per week based at either our Farnborough or Malvern site. Hybrid working patterns are available. Frequent customer travel will be required.
We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.
We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Our Recruitment Process
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in. Please note that all applicants for this role must be willing to go through DV Clearance.
Principal Architect - IT Platforms employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
Contact Detail:
QINETIQ LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect - IT Platforms
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more.
✨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, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect - IT Platforms
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with secure, complex systems in defence or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Architect – IT Platforms!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your knowledge of technologies like cloud architectures, secure networks, and mission systems. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a deep understanding of these areas, so let us know what you’ve got!
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, make sure to include examples of your leadership skills. We love to see how you’ve influenced stakeholders and driven projects to success in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about our inclusive workplace culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Principal Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your deep knowledge of secure networks, cloud architectures, and mission systems. Brush up on the latest technologies and frameworks relevant to defence IT, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading multi-disciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, highlighting your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with MOD acquisition frameworks and security classifications. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with standards like JSPs and DEFSTANs in your architectural designs, as this will show your alignment with the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to developing end-to-end solution architectures for national security.