Enterprise Architect - Digital Engineering/Software Engineering (SC cleared)

Enterprise Architect - Digital Engineering/Software Engineering

Location: Reading - hybrid, with a minimum of 50% onsite
Security clearance: Active SC clearance essential; DV preferred
Sector: Aerospace & Defence

Shape the software engineering environment behind advanced defence and aerospace programmes.

Synergize Consulting is seeking an experienced Enterprise Architect to lead the integration of a Software Factory into a wider Digital Engineering environment supporting sensitive MOD and aerospace programmes.

This is an opportunity to influence how software is developed, secured and connected across the engineering life cycle. Bringing together people, processes and technology, you will shape an architecture that supports Digital Twin, Digital Thread and Secure by Design principles.

If you enjoy turning complex engineering requirements into practical architecture, guiding technical decisions and working closely with engineering and delivery teams, this role offers considerable scope to make an impact.

The opportunity

As the focal point for Software Engineering architecture, you will provide expert guidance to Product Owners, Delivery Managers, engineers and technology partners. You will ensure the Software Factory meets stakeholder needs, integrates effectively with the wider environment and balances immediate delivery priorities with long-term architectural objectives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Software Engineering architecture across people, processes and technology.

• Developing and maintaining High-Level and Low-Level Designs (HLDs and LLDs).

• Architecting software development environments and integrating them into the broader Digital Engineering landscape.

• Translating enterprise policies, security requirements and risk objectives into practical designs, standards and governance.

• Supporting Digital Twin and Digital Thread capabilities across the system engineering life cycle.

• Preparing and managing Requests for Information and Requests for Quotation (RFIs/RFQs).

• Evaluating technologies, tools and platforms, including supporting proofs of concept and supplier selection.

• Identifying opportunities for architectural reuse, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Communicating architectural decisions, risks and delivery implications clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What you will bring

• Active SC clearance or DV clearance

• Demonstrable Aerospace & Defence experience, delivering architecture within MOD, Defence Digital or UK aerospace environments.

• More than five years' experience in Enterprise and/or Business Architecture.

• Experience architecting IT software development environments.

• An understanding of system, data and technical architecture across the full engineering life cycle.

• Experience applying recognised architecture frameworks and standards, supported by relevant certifications such as TOGAF, AWS/Azure Architect, CISSP or ArchiMate.

• The ability to develop architectural models, contribute to strategy and create roadmaps, aligned with SFIA Level 4/5 competencies.

• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence working across engineering, IT, delivery teams and suppliers.

• A relevant degree in computing, engineering, mathematics or a related discipline.

Experience that would strengthen your application

• Microsoft Azure and Azure certification.

• CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.

• Docker, Kubernetes or other containerisation technologies.

• Agile delivery, SAFe or similar approaches.

• Digital Engineering concepts, including Digital Twins and Digital Threads.

• Power BI, reporting and analytics, or data warehousing.

• Working across international teams.

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional recognition.

Why consider this role?

You will have the opportunity to influence architecture across a complex defence engineering environment, guide technology choices and help establish the foundations for secure, integrated software delivery.

Applicants must hold active SC clearance and be able to work onsite in Reading for at least 50% of their time. Aerospace & Defence experience is essential.

Apply with your latest CV to discuss the opportunity with Synergize Consulting.