About GCHQ
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you will do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
Role Overview
As a Solutions Architect you will help deliver technology solutions that support GCHQ’s mission, drawing on your experience to lead design work, manage a team, and make strategic architectural decisions. Your work will ensure our technology remains cutting‑edge, scalable and resilient, and you will collaborate with delivery teams, engineers and business colleagues to clarify requirements and adapt designs.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and own end‑to‑end solution architecture, translating business and user needs into designs and artefacts aligned with architecture strategies and standards.
* Make and own architectural decisions involving trade‑offs (cost, risk, scalability or maintainability), manage risks and deliver within governance and standards.
* Work effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders across teams or programmes, communicating architectural concepts and influencing alignment to agreed solutions.
Key Qualifications
* Applied understanding of solutions architecture gained through experience leading end‑to‑end digital or technology solutions.
* Experience using modern frameworks such as TOGAF, NIST, and ITIL.
* Line or team management experience and strong communication skills for explaining design decisions to diverse audiences.
Salary & Benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £69,611 to £77,801 plus other benefits including:
* 25 days’ annual leave, rising automatically to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
* Employee performance scheme recognition opportunities.
* Interest‑free season ticket loan.
* Excellent pension scheme.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
* Paid parental and adoption leave.
Application Process
1. Application sift.
2. Virtual interview (assessing your technical skills and organisational competencies).
3. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment.
4. Successfully pass each stage to progress to the next.
5. Note: Applications may take 6 to 9 months to process including vetting.
Eligibility & Security Clearance
To work at GCHQ you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). Please read about our eligibility criteria and the vetting process.
Policies
We have a strict drugs policy. Once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you must declare any previous drug usage at the relevant stage.
Location & Travel
The role is based in Cheltenham, so you must live within a commutable distance. We do not offer relocation costs but we offer reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for candidates attending in‑person appointments during the recruitment and vetting process. Candidates must book their own travel and provide original receipts for reimbursement.
Application Guidance
We recommend setting up a separate email address for your contact with us to keep personal and application correspondence separate. Avoid including identifying features such as your first and/or surname and date of birth in the email address.
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