Location: Reading (mostly onsite) Duration: 4 month initial contract Inside IR35 Role details: Our client, a leading defence and aerospace company, are looking for an Enterprise Architect to join their team in Reading. This is an excellent opportunity to lead enterprise architecture initiatives within a high-profile environment. The role requires active SC Clearance and hands-on experience with TOGAF frameworks. The contract duration is 4-5 months and requires mostly onsite work in Reading. Key Responsibilities: As a Lead Enterprise Architect, you will: Lead the development and governance of enterprise architecture across multiple programmes and domains Define and evolve architecture principles, standards, and frameworks aligned with business strategy and technology roadmaps Shape and lead the enterprise architecture strategy for the Line of Business (LoB), contributing to divisional and corporate planning Provide authoritative technical leadership across infrastructure, cloud, data, applications, and security domains Chair Product Design Reviews across the Engineering Unit and LoB, ensuring alignment with strategic goals Lead original research, capability development, and technology insertion to enhance architectural maturity Represent the company at senior customer boards, government forums, and industry conferences Mentor and coach architects across the organisation, fostering a high-performing architecture community Drive reuse, innovation, and best practice across programmes and engineering functions Job Requirements: Essential requirements: Active SC Clearance - required to work on-site and support sensitive MOD/aerospace programmes Relevant experience in Defence aerospace programs within the MoD with security by design (SbD) expertise. Architectural Generalist - able to work across business, data, application, cloud, technology, and security domains Enterprise Architecture Modelling Expertise - hands-on experience developing EA models (e.g., ArchiMate, MODAF, TOGAF, NAF) as we transition from paper-based artefacts to dynamic, model-driven architectural repositories Strong understanding of cyber security principles, secure system design, and regulatory compliance. Experience chairing design reviews and providing technical assurance across engineering units. Ability to lead innovation and capability development across engineering and business functions. Proven mentoring and coaching experience, supporting the growth of architectural capability. Desirable Skills: Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional recognition Industry certifications (e.g. TOGAF, AWS/Azure Architect, CISSP, ArchiMate) Experience contributing to national or international architecture standards or professional bodies Published research or thought leadership in enterprise architecture or related fields Experience working transnationally and representing organisational interests in regulatory or strategic forums Familiarity with SFIA Level 7 competencies (e.g. Strategy & Architecture, Governance, Innovation) and DDaT Enterprise Architect role expectations Interested? Apply today via the link provided.