Job Description
Solution Architect – On-Prem Design Lead
Warton
7-Month Contract
£71.28 per hour (PAYE)
2–3 Days Onsite
We are seeking two highly experienced Solution Architects to join a defence-focused programme at BAE Systems, supporting the design and delivery of a complex on-premises technical solution within a secure enterprise environment.
The Opportunity
You will work as part of a wider architecture team to design and implement VMware-based on-premises solutions supporting mission-critical defence capabilities. The role requires strong technical leadership, hands-on design capability and the ability to operate within a secure-by-design framework.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design and architect on-premises VMware-based infrastructure solutions
2. Contribute to the definition and delivery of virtual desktop environments, including support for engineering tools such as CAD and PLM
3. Support implementation and migration activities within secure data centre environments
4. Provide consultancy and technical leadership within a team of architects
5. Ensure solutions adhere to secure-by-design principles and defence security standards
6. Troubleshoot and optimise platform performance and resilience
7. Work closely with stakeholders including contractors, government stakeholders and internal IT teams
About You
We are looking for an experienced architect with strong on-prem infrastructure and enterprise solution design capability.
You will have:
8. Strong experience designing and delivering on-premises solutions
9. Deep knowledge of data centre architecture including compute, storage and networking
10. Hands-on experience with VMware environments (including VMware Cloud Foundation desirable)
11. Experience with Microsoft enterprise collaboration tools in on-prem environments
12. Experience delivering virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), ideally supporting engineering workloads (CAD/PLM)
13. Strong understanding of secure-by-design principles and defence-grade security requirements
14. Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Key Skills
15. Enterprise architecture alignment and solution design
16. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
17. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
18. Ability to operate within distributed, cross-functional teams
19. Experience producing high-quality technical documentation
20. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment
Additional Information
This role operates within a highly secure defence environment. All applicants must meet BPSS requirements, with SC clearance in progress. Eligibility is subject to UK residency and security vetting conditions.