Security Architect - DV Cleared - Perm

Location: Farnborough, Hampshire, UK

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Security Clearance: Developed Vetting (DV) - Essential

Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 + Benefits

About the Role

The Security Architect designs and implements comprehensive security architectures protecting defence and aerospace IT environments. You will develop enterprise security strategies, lead security programme implementations, architect integrated defence-in-depth solutions, and ensure compliance with stringent MOD security requirements. This role demands exceptional expertise in security architecture, risk management and defence security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Security Strategy & Architecture
• Design holistic security architectures incorporating people, process and technology security
• Develop enterprise-wide security strategies aligned with MOD Classification Guides and Defence Security Policy
• Architect defence-in-depth security solutions across network, application, data and endpoint layers
• Lead security architecture reviews and technical security assessments
• Design zero-trust security models and continuous verification frameworks
• Cyber Threat & Risk Management
• Assess cyber threat landscape and design threat-informed security architectures
• Lead security risk assessments and vulnerability management programmes
• Design incident response, threat intelligence and cyber defence capabilities
• Architect security monitoring, detection and response solutions
• Design business continuity and cyber resilience frameworks
• Compliance & Standards Implementation
• Ensure security architectures comply with MOD security requirements and ITAR regulations
• Design security solutions supporting Information Security Management System (ISMS) compliance
• Architect compliance and audit capabilities for regulatory reporting
• Lead security standards implementation and controls frameworks
• Security Solutions & Integration
• Architect endpoint protection, data loss prevention (DLP) and advanced threat protection solutions
• Design cloud security architectures supporting hybrid and multi-cloud environments
• Architect application security, API security and secure SDLC integration
• Design security operations centre (SOC) capabilities and security information and event management (SIEM)
• Lead security technology evaluation and implementation programmes
• Technical Leadership & Governance
• Lead security technical teams and provide architectural mentoring
• Establish security design standards, architecture patterns and operational governance
• Drive technical decision-making through security design reviews
• Document security architecture decisions and design specifications
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as technical authority for security architecture discussions with customer leadership
• Present security recommendations to defence programme teams and executive stakeholders
• Lead security architecture workshops and customer engagement activities
• Communicate complex security concepts to technical and non-technical audiences

Essential Requirements

• Experience & Expertise
• Minimum 12 years' information security experience with 5+ years in architecture role
• Proven experience designing enterprise-scale security architectures
• Strong background in defence, aerospace or government security programmes
• Demonstrated expertise with security operations, incident response and threat management
• Track record of leading security transformation and programme implementations
• Technical Knowledge
• Deep expertise in security architecture frameworks, methodologies and best practices
• Expert-level knowledge of network security, endpoint security and application security
• Strong understanding of threat models, attack vectors and defence-in-depth strategies
• Proficiency in cloud security (AWS, Azure security, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of security tools (SIEM, DLP, EDR, WAF, firewalls, etc.)
• Understanding of cryptography, encryption and security protocols
• Familiarity with MOD security requirements, Classification Guides and defence standards
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST CSF, etc.)
• Personal Attributes
• Exceptional strategic thinking combined with strong technical depth
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence executive stakeholders
• Passion for security excellence and continuous improvement

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with defence or aerospace security programmes
• CISSP, CISM, CCSK or equivalent security certifications
• AWS Security or Azure Security certifications
• Experience with security governance and compliance frameworks
• Knowledge of ITAR compliance and export controls
• Armed Forces or military security background

What We Offer

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Enhanced pension and private medical insurance
• Flexible working and professional development support
• Opportunity to architect security for mission-critical defence organisations

Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.