Hardware Architect – Maritime Systems
Location: North West England (Hybrid working available)
Clearance: Current and Active SC Clearance Required
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Hardware Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural oversight across complex maritime hardware systems. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the design, integration, and validation of COTS and bespoke hardware solutions, combined with a robust understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle (IEC 15288) and its application within the defence and maritime domain. This is a pivotal role within the engineering function, responsible for defining and governing hardware architectures that meet operational, environmental, and performance requirements across multiple maritime programmes.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain the hardware architecture and system design for complex maritime platforms and subsystems.
* Apply systems engineering principles (IEC 15288) to ensure all architectural decisions align with lifecycle phase objectives, entry/exit criteria, and verification milestones.
* Lead the definition of hardware interfaces, product boundaries, and integration strategies across COTS and bespoke solution elements.
* Translate high-level system and stakeholder requirements into logical and physical hardware architectures.
* Ensure designs adhere to maritime and defence standards, including environmental, EMC, safety, and reliability requirements.
* Support design teams through technical reviews, ensuring traceability of requirements from concept through to qualification and acceptance.
* Work collaboratively with systems, software, and mechanical disciplines to deliver fully integrated, mission-ready solutions.
* Define and document architecture roadmaps, hardware baselines, and configuration control processes.
* Provide technical input to bids, estimates, and design trade-offs, balancing performance, cost, and risk.
* Act as the technical authority on hardware design decisions and verification approaches.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Active SC Clearance (mandatory).
* Proven experience as a Hardware Architect or Principal Hardware Engineer in the maritime or defence domain.
* Strong understanding of systems engineering methodologies, particularly the V-lifecycle and IEC 15288 framework.
* Experience developing and integrating COTS and bespoke hardware solutions within complex systems.
* Deep technical understanding of hardware design, interface definition, integration, and verification.
* Experience in defining requirements, architectures, and verification strategies in line with defence standards.
* Ability to lead design reviews and provide technical governance and assurance across the hardware engineering lifecycle.
* Strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
* Experience with naval mission systems, underwater systems, or platform integration.
* Familiarity with Def Stan, MIL-STD, or maritime environmental standards.
* Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards professional registration.
* Background in hardware safety, EMC qualification, and environmental testing.
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