At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of mission-critical capabilities for Cyber and National Security.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of national security with cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in National Security, Defence, or advanced Cyber missions required.
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 Principle Technical Architect – National Security 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 Principle Technical Architect – National Security, you will be a senior technical leader responsible for shaping, developing, and integrating mission‑critical capabilities for Cyber and National Security customers. This role focuses on customer intimacy, operational problem solving, and end to end capability development. Day-to-day, you will act as a trusted advisor, driving innovation, orchestrating complex delivery, and building high performing teams that directly support national security missions.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Identifying, shaping, and qualifying new business opportunities within National Security and Defence organisations leading early customer engagements and developing strategies that align with long-term sector growth
- Providing technical direction for bids and business development activities ensuring that proposed solutions are feasible, innovative, compliant, and mission‑aligned
- Working closely with engineering, data, cyber, AI/ML, and systems integration teams to shape end‑to‑end solutions
- Translating complex missions’ needs into robust technical architecture, capability concepts, and delivery approaches
- Technically lead major bids from capture through proposal submission and contract negotiation
- Leading the design and evolution of end‑to‑end capabilities that combine people, processes, systems, and technology into coherent, high value outcomes
- Providing leadership across all areas and shaping and overseeing the delivery of complex capability programmes
Essential experience of the Principle Technical Architect – National Security:
- Significant experience working in or alongside National Security, Intelligence, Defence, or advanced Cyber missions
- Demonstrable ability to lead capability development integrating people, process, and technology
- Expertise in systems integration, operational workflow design, and organisation/process transformation
- A strong background in leading multi‑disciplinary teams in complex, sensitive environments
- Experience in major capability transformation programmes in Defence, Intelligence, or Government
- Familiarity with national security processes, governance frameworks, and high‑assurance operations
Essential qualifications for the Principle Technical Architect – National Security:
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. 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.
Farnborough
At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state‑of‑the‑art facility, with high‑energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.
Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
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
Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
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 value, 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 - National Security employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Malvern where innovation meets purpose. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our diverse and inclusive culture, competitive benefits including a matched pension scheme and generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge national security projects. Join us to collaborate with brilliant minds and contribute to meaningful missions that empower and protect lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect - National Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already at QinetiQ. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role. Understand the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. We want to see you shine as a trusted advisor!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex challenges, especially in national security or defence contexts. We love a good story!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at QinetiQ.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect - National Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in National Security and Defence. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Architect, you’ll be leading teams and projects. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed complex programmes in sensitive environments. We love seeing examples of innovation and problem-solving!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you can find more information about our culture and values there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of national security, intelligence, and defence technologies. Brush up on recent developments in these areas, as well as QinetiQ's projects and values. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Architect, you'll need to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through complex projects. Highlight your ability to integrate people, processes, and technology to achieve high-value outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to systems integration, operational workflow design, and capability development. Review key concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. This will help you convey your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company's future and its projects. Inquire about their approach to innovation in national security or how they foster collaboration among teams. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
