Solution Architect - Security Cleared

Solution Architect

Location: Near Bristol (regular on‑site presence required)
Security: SC clearance (active or eligible)
Nationality: UK National

We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to join a high‑performing team delivering complex, mission‑critical digital and ICT solutions for a large, highly regulated UK organisation. This role sits at the heart of major transformation programmes, requiring strong systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and technical leadership across the full solution lifecycle.

You will work closely with senior client stakeholders, engineering teams, and delivery partners to translate business needs into robust, secure, and scalable technical solutions. The role combines enterprise architecture, systems engineering, and hands‑on solution design, with a strong emphasis on assurance, integration, and delivery.

Candidates must be located near Bristol or able to attend site regularly.

• Engage with clients to understand business objectives, operational pain points, and technical constraints, acting as a trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Lead the definition and communication of As‑Is and To‑Be architectures across services, systems, and enterprise landscapes.
• Elicit, analyse, and manage user, service, and system requirements throughout the programme lifecycle, including acceptance criteria and measures of effectiveness.
• Conduct solution options analysis
  , presenting clear, evidence‑based technical options aligned to cost, risk, performance, and delivery objectives.
• Produce high‑quality solution design documentation
  , including High‑Level Designs (HLDs) and Low‑Level Designs (LLDs).
• Provide technical leadership to solution architects and system integrators during design, build, integration, and test phases.
• Define and oversee verification, validation, and acceptance activities with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Develop overarching test strategies, plans, and scripts
  , supporting integrated system testing and solution acceptance.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences, including senior non‑technical stakeholders.
• Apply best‑practice architecture and systems engineering principles to ensure solutions are secure, resilient, and future‑proof.

Systems Engineering & Solution Design

• Requirements management, including user stories and use‑case modelling.
• Technical solution options analysis and trade‑off assessment.
• Production of HLDs, LLDs, and supporting design artefacts.
• Integrated testing, verification & validation, and solution acceptance.

Architecture & Modelling

• Enterprise and solution architecture design experience.
• Use of industry‑standard frameworks and modelling techniques (e.g.
  TOGAF, Archi Mate, UML
  ).

Technology & Delivery

• Strong understanding of modern digital technologies, including cloud hosting
  , virtualised platforms, and emerging technologies such as AI
  .
• Experience designing or deploying cloud‑based infrastructure (e.g. Azure, AWS).
• Knowledge of containerisation and orchestration technologies.
• Experience working within Agile or SAFe delivery environments.

• Experience delivering solutions in highly regulated or security‑critical environments
  .
• Exposure to Defence or Government ICT systems
  , including secure hosting environments.
• Knowledge of GIS or geospatial technologies is advantageous.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Relevant professional accreditation is desirable.
• Active SC clearance or eligibility to obtain it is essential.
• UK National status required.

This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, nationally significant programmes at scale, influencing architecture decisions that have real‑world impact. You'll collaborate with experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.