IoT & Digital Systems Solution Architect
Department: IT
Reference: 17424
Location: Bristol
Type: Permanent
30-03-2026
The Role
Our buildings are becoming smarter, more connected, and more data-driven. From IoT sensors and access control systems to digital asset platforms and BIM data, the landscape is evolving fast and we need an architect who can bring clarity, pace, and structure across this ecosystem.
As our IoT & Digital Systems Solution Architect, you`ll accelerate delivery across a wide range of Property Technology initiatives. You`ll turn ambiguity into clear solution designs, guide technical decisions, unblock governance, and help align our department`s work with wider IT and Enterprise Architecture.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Produce rapid, clear High-Level Designs (HLDs).
* Create Low-Level Designs (LLDs) for complex solutions when required.
* Lead early-stage solution shaping.
* Support impact assessments and Technical Design Authority submissions.
* Work across IoT, Access Control, BMS, BIM/Data, and IT infrastructure.
* Define integration and data patterns across digital systems.
* Ensure alignment with IT security, infrastructure, and governance standards.
* Engage suppliers, run technical reviews, and shape architecture options.
What We’re Looking for in You
* Broad generalist across IoT, data, BIM, APIs, infrastructure, and security.
* Comfortable balancing hands-on design with governance and stakeholder work.
* Strong communicator who simplifies complexity.
* Pragmatic, collaborative, and delivery-focused.
* Experience producing HLDs and LLDs.
* Knowledge of IoT, access control, or smart building systems.
* Understanding of APIs and integration patterns.
* Exposure to BIM/CDE/structured asset information.
* Strong communication and governance skills.
* Understanding of IoT/OT security.
* Experience with specialized modelling languages used to design, document, and visualize systems (UML, BPMN, ArchiMate).
* Experience in property or built-environment technology.
What You’ll Get in Return
* A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company`s success
* 25 days` paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service
* A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save
* Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends
* Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
* Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!
About Unite Students
Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK`s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 23 leading university towns and cities, with 70,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.
Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn`t just what we do but who we are.
People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.
Room for Everyone
We`re proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we`re passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with passion. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.
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