Job Description
Salary Range £44,171 - £63,000
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your impact
Are you a network, systems, cloud or software engineer looking to take the next step into cyber security consultancy? Do you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working with customers, and influencing how systems are designed – not just built? Leonardo UK is looking for a Cyber Security Architect to join our Cyber & Security Solutions Division. This role is ideal for experienced IT professionals who want to broaden their impact, move into a consultative role, and help shape secure solutions for some of the UK’s most critical and complex environments.
What you’ll be doing
As a Cyber Security Architect, you’ll work at the design and decision‑making layer of major programmes. Rather than focusing on day‑to‑day operations, you’ll help customers build security in from the start – translating technical realities and business objectives into clear, robust and proportionate security architectures. You’ll work in a collaborative, agile consultancy environment, blending home and on‑site working, and engaging closely with customers, delivery teams and fellow specialists.
Your role in practice
* Build trusted relationships and understand customer missions, constraints and operating environments.
* Engage confidently with engineers, project managers, security professionals and senior stakeholders.
* Analyse existing and proposed IT environments, even where information is incomplete.
* Apply recognised security principles, architectural patterns and frameworks to real‑world systems.
* Identify architectural risks, threats and vulnerabilities.
* Explain security trade‑offs in clear, business‑relevant language rather than just technical detail.
* Define layered, secure‑by‑design architectures across people, process and technology.
* Recommend practical security controls and patterns that will support project delivery.
* Review designs and implementations against agreed standards and regulatory expectations.
* Support architecture governance, compliance and security assurance activities.
* Contribute to reusable architectural patterns, frameworks and offerings.
* Provide technical leadership in bids, proposals and early solution shaping.
What you’ll bring
This role suits experienced engineers or consultants who are comfortable with complex systems and are ready to step into a broader, more influential security role.
Core strengths
* Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and confidently.
* A consulting mindset – adaptable, dependable and focused on high‑quality outcomes.
* Enjoy working collaboratively and supporting the development of others.
Technical background
* Solid understanding of core IT fundamentals such as TCP/IP, networking, protocols and system interactions.
* Experience designing or supporting complex IT, cloud, application or networked systems.{"text":"", "isExpired":}"n
* Ability to decompose large systems into logical, secure architectural components.
Security and architecture
* Experience translating high‑level functional or mission objectives into technical or security requirements.
* Understanding of security controls, threat mitigation and architectural trade‑offs.
* Ability to justify why a control or design decision is needed – to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Additional experience (beneficial, not essential)
* Previous exposure to security architecture, risk assessment or design assurance.
* Experience mentoring junior engineers, architects or consultants.
* Familiarity with UK MOD, defence or national security environments.
Certifications
We value practical experience, but relevant certifications are welcomed, such as:
* Security+ / CISMP / CCSP
* TOGAF
* AWS or Azure cloud certifications.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development and work‑life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
* Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
* Rewarding Performance – All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning – Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a friend – Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks – Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working – Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team – they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Primary location
GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane
Contract type
Permanent
Hybrid working
Hybrid
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