Principal Technical Architect
4 days ago
Farnborough
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