Principal Senior Technical Architect - IT Platforms

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 – 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 Principle 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:

• 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.

This role is 37 hours per week based at either our Farnborough or Malvern site. Minimum, average site attendance of 3 days per week. Frequent customer travel will be required.

Essential experience:

• 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:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent relevant experience.

Benefits:

• 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.

Applicant requirements:

All applicants for this role must be willing to go through DV Clearance.