At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge cryptographic solutions for secure projects.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence, space, and digital security.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, annual bonus, employee discounts, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Join us to tackle complex security challenges and work with emerging technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in cryptographic solutions and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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.
Location
- Doncaster/Reading (other Thales sites could be considered)
- We are looking for an experienced
Cryptographic Services Architect to join our Secure Communications & Information Systems business.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the architecture, design, and delivery of cutting-edge cryptographic solutions across a portfolio of secure and mission-critical projects.
Working within our established Cryptographic Services Practice, you will play a pivotal role in shaping secure solutions that support customers operating in highly regulated and security-sensitive environments.
From bid and proposal stages through to design, implementation, and service transition, you will provide technical leadership and expertise across Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Key Management Services, Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), and emerging post-quantum cryptography initiatives.
This role offers the perfect blend of architecture, engineering, customer engagement, and strategic leadership.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Architecture & Technical Leadership
- Lead the cryptographic architecture for bids, proposals, and project delivery.
- Define secure, scalable, and compliant solutions aligned with customer requirements and industry best practice.
- Produce high-quality architectural documentation including High-Level Designs (HLDs), solution designs, requirements specifications, and testing artefacts.
- Present technical solutions confidently to customers, senior stakeholders, and technical review boards.
- Support the transition from bid to delivery, ensuring architectural integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
- Cryptographic Solution Design
• Design and integrate enterprise cryptographic services including
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Certificate Lifecycle Management
- Key Management Systems
- Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) migration strategies
- Advise customers on cryptographic agility, future security requirements, and quantum-readiness.
- Lead integration, deployment, testing, and acceptance activities across customer environments.
- Drive continuous improvement across architecture practices, standards, and tooling.
- Stakeholder & Project Collaboration
- Work closely with bid teams, project managers, engineers, security specialists, and customer stakeholders.
- Identify technical risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Support knowledge transfer into operational support teams.
- Mentor engineers and promote knowledge sharing across the cryptographic services community.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience designing and delivering enterprise PKI and cryptographic solutions.
• Strong understanding of
- Certificate Authorities (CA)
- Certificate lifecycle management
- Root of trust architectures
- Digital certificates and digital signatures
• Hands-on experience with enterprise PKI platforms such as
- Keyfactor
- EJBCA
- Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS)
- Azure Certificate Services
- Evertrust
- Experience leading technical solutions across bids, proposals, and complex programmes.
- Strong technical documentation and stakeholder communication skills.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business-focused recommendations.
- Experience working across the full project lifecycle from bid through delivery and into service.
Desirable Experience
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) planning and migration.
- Cryptographic standards and frameworks including NCSC, NIST, ETSI, ISO and IEC standards.
- Scripting and automation using Power Shell, Python, or Bash.
- Identity & Access Management (IAM) integration.
- Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or Operational Technology (OT) environments.
- Application and cloud security technologies.
Qualifications
- Degree-qualified in Engineering, Cyber Security, Computer Science, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience in PKI administration, cryptographic systems design, or cryptographic services delivery.
- Relevant security certifications such as
- CISSP ,
CISM , or equivalent are highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of secure communications, helping customers solve some of their most complex security challenges.
You'll have the chance to influence strategic solutions, work with emerging technologies, and play a key role in advancing cryptographic capabilities in an increasingly security-conscious and post-quantum world.
If you're passionate about security architecture, cryptographic services, and delivering innovative solutions that matter, we'd love to hear from you.
#LI-SW1
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.
Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.
Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Cryptographic Services Architect in Doncaster employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cryptographic Services Architect in Doncaster
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Thales, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Thales
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Thales. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cryptographic Services Architect in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Thales insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Thales that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Thales to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Thales.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
