Google Cloud Architect – Contract
6 Months – Outside IR35
£600 per day
SC or DV Clearance (UKSV) Required
Hybrid: Home + 3 days/week onsite in Central London
Are you a Google Cloud specialist with a passion for designing secure, mission-critical systems?
We’re looking for a Google Cloud Architect to join a specialist systems integrator delivering into UK Government on a major multi-year transformation programme.
This is an opportunity to shape and implement some of the most strategically important government systems in operation today. You’ll architect next-generation platforms that protect national capability — working alongside some of the best engineers in the industry in an environment where innovation, precision and security are paramount.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Designing and delivering secure, scalable and resilient architectures in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Distributed Cloud (GDC).
* Engineering solutions for disconnected and data-severed environments.
* Collaborating with engineering, DevOps and security teams to ensure seamless end-to-end delivery.
* Implementing automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for repeatable, auditable deployments.
* Providing technical leadership and mentorship across cloud engineering and DevSecOps teams.
* Aligning cloud designs with government security frameworks and enterprise architecture principles.
* Supporting ongoing optimisation, performance tuning and capability evolution across the programme lifecycle.
What You’ll Bring
* Proven experience as a Cloud Architect or Senior Cloud Engineer, specialising in Google Cloud Platform.
* Practical experience with Google Distributed Cloud (GDC).
* Background working in air-gapped or non-internet-connected environments.
* Strong engineering foundation with deep knowledge of IaC (Terraform, Deployment Manager), automation and CI/CD.
* Expertise in networking, IAM, containerisation (GKE/Kubernetes), and secure systems design.
* Confidence working within highly regulated or classified environments.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse stakeholders.
Bonus Points For
* Experience delivering solutions within classified government systems or secure data centres.
* Hands-on experience with AI/ML tooling within GCP.
* Familiarity with NCSC guidance, UK Government cloud policy or cross-domain architecture.
* Knowledge of multi-cloud, edge computing, or data sovereignty considerations.
Why Join?
* Work on nationally significant, high-impact programmes.
* Join a trusted systems integrator with a long track record of secure delivery into UK Government.
* Benefit from long-term programme stability and genuine career development.
* Access continuous learning and upskilling within Google Cloud and secure systems engineering.