Cloud Data Architect in Crawley

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

At Thales, we're developing next-generation aviation solutions that harness the power of cloud, data and software to transform how critical systems are designed, operated and supported. As a Cloud Data Architect, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping innovative, data-centric solutions that deliver real value to our customers while supporting the future of Flight Avionics.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong technical expert looking to step into a broader leadership role, combining architecture ownership, customer engagement and technical team influence.

As a Cloud Data Architect, you will be responsible for translating customer requirements into scalable cloud, data and software solutions that align with business objectives, technical strategy and customer needs. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you'll define solution architectures, guide technical decisions, manage architectural risks and ensure solutions remain secure, scalable and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle.

You'll operate at the intersection of software architecture, cloud technologies and product development, helping to shape solutions from concept through to deployment while mentoring engineering teams and influencing technical direction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Designing and owning end-to-end cloud and data architectures for complex engineering programmes.
• Translating customer and business requirements into scalable, secure and innovative solutions.
• Leading architectural decision-making and technical trade-off discussions.
• Acting as a customer-facing technical leader, supporting solution demonstrations and design workshops.
• Driving adoption of cloud-native architectures, DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Identifying and mitigating technical risks across software, systems, security and data domains.
• Defining architectural standards, frameworks and governance approaches.
• Managing requirements flow-down, verification and validation activities.
• Collaborating with engineering, software, systems and product teams to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Producing architecture artefacts, technical documentation and design justifications.
• Supporting engineering reviews and ensuring solutions are delivered to cost, schedule and quality objectives.

About You

You are an experienced Architect, Technical Lead or Senior Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and working closely with customers to deliver impactful solutions.

Essential Experience

• Experience designing and delivering cloud-based solutions using Azure, AWS or similar cloud platforms.
• Strong knowledge of software architecture, distributed systems and microservices.
• Experience developing data-centric systems, including data pipelines and large-scale data management solutions.
• Understanding of architecture frameworks, design principles and solution governance.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.
• Knowledge of system interoperability, open architectures and interface standards.
• Understanding of data governance, provenance, lineage and traceability.
• Proven experience delivering complex technical projects to quality, cost and schedule commitments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including customer-facing engagement.
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts and influence decision-making across technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable Experience

We would be particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate experience with requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS or Polarion, as well as exposure to Digital Twin, simulation or synthetic environment technologies. Experience operating within aerospace, defence or similarly regulated sectors would be advantageous, together with an appreciation of systems engineering methodologies, governance and assurance activities.

Why Thales?

This role offers the opportunity to influence the technical direction of innovative avionics and data solutions while working with modern cloud technologies and multidisciplinary engineering teams. You'll be empowered to drive architectural decisions, engage directly with customers, and help shape products from concept through to operational deployment. In return, you'll benefit from flexible working, ongoing career development and the chance to work on technology that has a real-world impact.

If you're passionate about cloud architecture, data-driven solutions and solving complex technical challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

Security Clearance Requirement: Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.