Principal Technical Architect – Secure Cloud / Defence – Farnborough / Hybrid – £120k - 140k
A rare opportunity to join in a senior capacity for a proven technical leader to define and deliver secure cloud architectures across high-assurance environments within the defence industry.
You’ll set the technical direction, lead a team of architects, and shape complex cloud strategies that underpin national security programmes. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can combine deep cloud expertise with architectural vision, stakeholder influence, and real delivery impact.
The Role
* Lead the design and direction of secure cloud and infrastructure solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance standards.
* Develop and maintain architectural patterns, governance, and technical roadmaps for large-scale, high-security environments.
* Mentor and guide technical teams, promoting consistent standards, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
* Act as subject matter expert across AWS, Azure, and GCP, including restricted and government offerings.
* Provide technical authority through full solution lifecycles, from design through to delivery and assurance.
You’ll Bring
* 10+ years in architecture or infrastructure leadership, with 5+ in secure cloud environments (defence, government, or critical national systems).
* Proven experience in shaping technical strategy and leading architecture teams.
* Deep understanding of secure cloud design, zero-trust models, and compliance frameworks such as NIST, DISA STIGs, and NCSC best practice.
* Expertise in Infrastructure-as-Code, containerisation (Kubernetes, OpenShift), and automation for secure cloud deployments.
* Strong knowledge of networking, encryption, IAM, and DevSecOps principles.
* Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and bid support experience.
Desirable
* Cloud certifications (AWS / Azure / GCP Architect-level).
* Security credentials (CISSP or equivalent).
* Agile / DevOps / DevSecOps
* Prior experience in MOD, UKIC, or other defence domains.
* Contributions to thought leadership in cloud security or architecture.
Clearance
Applicants must have current Security Clearance (SC) and interested in becoming DV Cleared