Senior Solution Architect

Senior Solutions Architect Bristol – 2 days per week onsite Security clearance is essential Contract until April 2027 Up to £104 per hour Inside IR35 Are you an experienced security cleared Senior Solutions Architect looking to shape secure, integrated solutions across complex, mission-critical programmes? A leading defence prime are looking for a Security Cleared Senior Solutions Architect to provide technical leadership across major programmes, influence architectural strategy, and ensure solutions are secure, resilient and future-ready.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead solution architecture across large-scale and multi-project programmes.
· Design and evolve secure, integrated architectures spanning infrastructure, applications, data, networking and cloud.
· Influence technical strategy, technology roadmaps and future technology insertion.
· Lead technical reviews, architecture assessments, trade-off studies and risk evaluations.
· Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture principles and secure-by-design standards.
· Represent the organisation at senior customer forums, technical boards and industry events.
· Support business development, bids and proposal development through technical solution strategy.
· Champion architectural best practice, design reuse and model-based approaches. Essential Skills & Experience
· Extensive experience in solution architecture across multiple technical domains, including infrastructure, applications, data, networking and cloud.
· Strong understanding of enterprise and solution architecture frameworks, such as TOGAF, MODAF or NAF.
· Advanced knowledge of secure system design principles and cyber security standards.
· Experience shaping architectures within Agile or SAFe delivery environments.
· Proven ability to influence technical strategy and provide architectural leadership.
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including engagement with senior customers and technical leadership teams.
· Experience mentoring, coaching and developing technical communities.
· Relevant architecture or cloud certifications, such as TOGAF, Archi Mate, AWS or Azure.
· Experience developing technology roadmaps and contributing to enterprise strategy.
· Knowledge of service design, operational transformation and digital modernisation.
· Exposure to cloud-native technologies, Dev Sec Ops  and automation.
· Experience presenting at technical boards, customer forums or industry conferences.
· Previous experience within the government or defence sector. If you have a strong background in multi-domain solution architecture, secure-by-design principles and technical leadership.