Closing date: 15 January 2026 Salary scale: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum What is the purpose of this job? The Platform Architect will play an integral role in defining, delivering and supporting RDG’s Cloud platform and shared services (aka the RDG Platform). They will be responsible for ensuring that the RDG Platform meets the business requirements across the business and align with RDG Architecture Principles and Policies. What can I expect to do in this job? This is not an exhaustive list, but things you can expect to be involved with include: · Identifying key business requirements (including both functional and non-functional requirements) for the Platform Services by working with other internal and external teams · Evaluating and selecting solutions and technology platforms to meet the business requirements, e.g. through proof-of-concepts and procurements · Responsible for the end-to-end design and documentation of Platform Services by working with internal and external teams including other RDG Platform Architects, suppliers and customers from other projects · Ensuring the Platform Services are implemented, quality assured, transitioned into operations and rolled out successfully · Maintaining Architecture Definition Documents (ADD) and key enterprise architecture models for Platform Services · Ensuring that the Platform align with the RDG Architecture Principles and Policies and comply with any agreed Government Digital Service (GDS) standards · Helping to develop technology roadmaps for the future development and evolution of the RDG Platform We are looking for someone who has hands-on experience in one or more of the following: · Development, e.g. front and/or back-end development, Infrastructure as Code (IoC) · Cloud platforms and services, e.g. Amazon Web Service Landing Zone · Networking/Security services, e.g. Amazon Transit Gateway and Security Hub · CI/CD, e.g. GitLab · Identity and Access Management (IAM), e.g. Microsoft Entra ID · Infrastructure and application performance monitoring, e.g. New Relics, Grafana, etc. · API gateway and management, e.g. AWS API Gateway · Message queue and broker, e.g. Kafka, ActiveMQ · Certificate and secrets management, e.g. AWS Who will my key contacts be? Internal: · Enterprise Architect · Head of Architecture · Platform Architects · Project Managers · Other project teams (projects impacted by the shared services) · Business Architects · Business Analysts · Information Security team · Service Managers · Quality Assurance team · Finance Partners External: · Customers · Suppliers · Partners Requirements What experience, skills and knowledge do I need? Qualifications and Professional Memberships Professionally qualified with a relevant degree/postgraduate qualification e.g. Computer Science, plus relevant project and managerial experience. Certified in an architectural design methodology, for example TOGAF, Zachman Certified in an API Gateway solution platform AWS solution architect certifications Technical Competencies (Experience and Knowledge) Relevant IT architecture experience (3 years or more) Hands-on experience (5 years or more) in software development or software engineering, e.g. as a developer or DevOps engineer Hands-on experience in Cloud platform, e.g. AWS, Azure, etc. Hands-on/design knowledge of technology platforms, e.g. API gateway, message broker, identity and access management, monitoring/logging, etc. Excellent written and spoken English Ability to work flexibly and under pressure and be able to juggle multiple priorities and deliver successfully in a fast-paced environment High attention to detail including time prioritisation and management Application and network security Benefits Why Work for RDG? We offer a highly competitive package, including: 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts. 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events) Season ticket loan for commuting costs. Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave. Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution. Private medical insurance (AXA PPP) including mental health and specialist care. Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes. Career Development & Progression You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG. Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail If you are interested in joining RDG as a Lead Solution Architect and shaping the future of digital ticketing, we’d love to hear from you! Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry. Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.