Google Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Architect – Contract

6 Months – Outside IR35

£600 per day

SC or DV Clearance (UKSV) Required

Hybrid: Home + 3 days/week onsite in Central London

Are you a Google Cloud specialist with a passion for designing secure, mission-critical systems?

We’re looking for a Google Cloud Architect to join a specialist systems integrator delivering into UK Government on a major multi-year transformation programme.

This is an opportunity to shape and implement some of the most strategically important government systems in operation today. You’ll architect next-generation platforms that protect national capability — working alongside some of the best engineers in the industry in an environment where innovation, precision and security are paramount.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and delivering secure, scalable and resilient architectures in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) .
• Engineering solutions for disconnected and data-severed environments .
• Collaborating with engineering, DevOps and security teams to ensure seamless end-to-end delivery.
• Implementing automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for repeatable, auditable deployments.
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship across cloud engineering and DevSecOps teams.
• Aligning cloud designs with government security frameworks and enterprise architecture principles.
• Supporting ongoing optimisation, performance tuning and capability evolution across the programme lifecycle.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience as a Cloud Architect or Senior Cloud Engineer , specialising in Google Cloud Platform .
• Practical experience with Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) .
• Background working in air-gapped or non-internet-connected environments .
• Strong engineering foundation with deep knowledge of IaC (Terraform, Deployment Manager) , automation and CI/CD.
• Expertise in networking, IAM, containerisation ( GKE/Kubernetes ), and secure systems design.
• Confidence working within highly regulated or classified environments .
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse stakeholders.

Bonus Points For

• Experience delivering solutions within classified government systems or secure data centres.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML tooling within GCP .
• Familiarity with NCSC guidance , UK Government cloud policy or cross-domain architecture.
• Knowledge of multi-cloud, edge computing , or data sovereignty considerations.

Why Join?

• Work on nationally significant, high-impact programmes .
• Join a trusted systems integrator with a long track record of secure delivery into UK Government.
• Benefit from long-term programme stability and genuine career development.
• Access continuous learning and upskilling within Google Cloud and secure systems engineering.