Join Police Digital Service as a Principal Technical Architect starting at £96,000 per annum - Full time/ Part time - Permanent The Principal Technical Architect ensures that the technical infrastructure supporting policing operations is modern, secure, and scalable to meet national and local requirements. They lead on designing and governing technical architectures that address critical non-functional needs such as performance, reliability, and resilience against cyber threats. Collaborating with other domains, they oversee the integration of systems to enable seamless interoperability and operational excellence. With a focus on modernising legacy systems and adopting innovative technologies, the Principal Technical Architect ensures that policing systems are built to support long-term efficiency and adaptability. Our Values are: We value People We do the right thing We are innovative We are one Team We are proud and passionate Key Responsibilities: Lead the technical vision and architecture for major digital and data transformation initiatives aligned with policing strategy. Provide senior-level architectural assurance, design authority, and technical stewardship across the portfolio. Develop and evolve enterprise-wide design patterns, standards, and strategic platforms for cross-force adoption. Shape national-level roadmaps and investment plans from a technical architecture perspective. Support the PDS Chief Architect in aligning architecture with governance, standards, and national technology policy. Engage strategically with suppliers, forces, and national partners to promote secure-by-design, integrated solutions. Translate complex challenges into coherent architectural strategies that support innovation, delivery, and outcomes. Mentor and coach senior technical and solution architects, embedding good practices and growing professional capability. Monitor and assess the impact of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation, digital ID) on law enforcement capabilities. Key Competencies: Extensive experience leading technical architecture in national-scale, high-risk environments-preferably in government, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Proven expertise across cloud infrastructure, secure network design, data integration, and microservices architecture. Strong knowledge of national digital policy, interoperability, and data governance frameworks. Excellent communication and influence skills, with the ability to engage C-suite and operational leaders alike. Demonstrated ability to lead governance processes and balance technical innovation with compliance and risk. Deep understanding of secure development principles, DevOps practices, and systems resilience. Relevant technical certifications (e.g. TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Architect) desirable. Diversity, equity and inclusion We are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate on any grounds. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible span of experience. All applicants will be considered without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, nationality, neurodiversity or disability status. Working Arrangements This is a remote role with occasional travel required to attend meetings. All applicants must be eligible to undergo NPPV3 (Non Police Personnel Vetting Level 3 )and SC vetting clearances. Successful applicants will require NPPV3 clearance to have been cleared before starting with PDS.