OT Architect - DV Cleared
Rate: £700 - £850 a day
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Duration: 12 months +
Clearance: UKSV Developed Vetting (DV)
Work Pattern: On-site / Preston
The Opportunity
We are working exclusively with a globally recognised prime defence contractor to identify experienced OT Architects for a critical, long-running programme based in Preston. This is a technically demanding role embedded within a complex, highly secure programme environment supporting some of the UK's most sensitive national infrastructure.
You will operate at the intersection of Operational Technology, cybersecurity architecture, and systems engineering - shaping the OT landscape across a multi-platform, safety-critical programme. The work is genuinely consequential and the technical challenge significant.
What You'll Be Doing
Designing and owning end-to-end OT architecture across complex, multi-domain systems
Developing reference architectures, patterns, and standards aligned to programme requirements
Leading OT/IT boundary definition and network segmentation design (Purdue model / IEC 62443)
Providing architectural assurance and technical governance across the programme
Engaging with cross-functional engineering, security, and programme leadership teams
Driving OT cyber security strategy and NCSC-aligned secure-by-design principles
Supporting DRACAS, configuration management, and architecture change control processes
Interfacing with MOD stakeholders and contributing to technical reviews and audits
What We're Looking For
Active, current Developed Vetting (DV) clearance
Proven background in OT architecture within a defence, CNI, or regulated industrial environment
Strong familiarity with IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82, and/or equivalent OT security frameworks
Experience with SCADA, ICS, PLC, or embedded/real-time systems architecture
Solid understanding of OT/IT convergence, network segmentation, and secure system design
Comfortable operating within formal systems engineering environments (e.g. MBSE, DODAF, NAF)
Ability to communicate complex architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Experience in safety-critical or high-integrity systems is highly desirable