Principal Technical Architect

Principal Technical Architect - Secure Cloud / Defence - Farnborough / Hybrid - 120k - 140k

A rare opportunity to join in a senior capacity for a proven technical leader to define and deliver secure cloud architectures across high-assurance environments within the defence industry.

You'll set the technical direction, lead a team of architects, and shape complex cloud strategies that underpin national security programmes. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can combine deep cloud expertise with architectural vision, stakeholder influence, and real delivery impact.

The Role

• Lead the design and direction of secure cloud and infrastructure solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain architectural patterns, governance, and technical roadmaps for large-scale, high-security environments.
• Mentor and guide technical teams, promoting consistent standards, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Act as subject matter expert across AWS, Azure, and GCP, including restricted and government offerings.
• Provide technical authority through full solution lifecycles, from design through to delivery and assurance.

You'll Bring

• 10+ years in architecture or infrastructure leadership, with 5+ in secure cloud environments (defence, government, or critical national systems).
• Proven experience in shaping technical strategy and leading architecture teams.
• Deep understanding of secure cloud design, zero-trust models, and compliance frameworks such as NIST, DISA STIGs, and NCSC best practice.
• Expertise in Infrastructure-as-Code, containerisation (Kubernetes, OpenShift), and automation for secure cloud deployments.
• Strong knowledge of networking, encryption, IAM, and DevSecOps principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and bid support experience.

Desirable

• Cloud certifications (AWS / Azure / GCP Architect-level).
• Security credentials (CISSP or equivalent).
• Agile / DevOps / DevSecOps
• Prior experience in MOD, UKIC, or other defence domains.
• Contributions to thought leadership in cloud security or architecture.

Clearance

Applicants must have current Security Clearance (SC) and interested in becoming DV Cleared.