Senior Network Architect

Principal Architect (Networks) Defence & Mission-Critical Communications | Bristol / South Wales | £55,000–£80,000 Are you a security-cleared network or communications specialist with experience in defence, military communications or mission-critical systems? We are supporting a specialist UK defence organisation seeking a Principal Architect (Networks) to help shape secure, resilient communications and information systems supporting complex operational environments. This opportunity would particularly suit an ex-military communications specialist, a former service member who has transitioned into defence engineering, or an established defence professional with a background in secure networks, C4ISR, tactical communications or SATCOM. We're also open to technically strong senior network engineers and systems engineers who can demonstrate the depth of experience required to develop into a broader architecture role. The Role Working closely with engineering teams, programme stakeholders and customers, you'll translate complex requirements into secure, scalable and resilient system architectures. Responsibilities:

• Developing physical, logical and functional network and communications architectures.
• Producing and maintaining high-level designs, architecture diagrams and interface documentation.
• Supporting secure systems design, security assurance and formal architecture reviews.
• Leading technical trade-off analysis and evaluating design options.
• Addressing integration, interoperability, obsolescence and technical risk across programmes.
• Providing technical direction and mentoring to engineering teams.
• Contributing to technical proposals, bids, demonstrations and future technology roadmaps. What we're looking for We're particularly interested in professionals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Military communications, C4ISR, command and control, or mission systems.
• Secure network architecture and design within defence or government environments.
• Tactical communications, military radio, SATCOM or integrated communications systems.
• Network and systems integration, interoperability and secure-by-design principles.
• Architecture documentation, design assurance and technical governance. A degree in Systems Engineering, Communications, Networking, Computer Science or a related discipline is welcomed, although equivalent professional experience will also be considered. Security Clearance Active Security Check (SC) clearance is essential. Candidates must also be able to obtain Developed Vetting (DV). This opportunity is specifically aimed at professionals with relevant defence, military communications or security-cleared technical experience. General enterprise networking experience without a relevant defence or secure-systems background is unlikely to be sufficient. Location & Package
• Salary: £55,000–£80,000, depending on experience.
• Location: Two days per week on-site in Bristol or at the organisation's manufacturing headquarters near Cardiff.
• Employment: Permanent. Benefits include:
• 28 days' annual holiday.
• Employer pension contribution of 10%, with a 5% employee contribution.
• Private medical cover through Bupa.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Dental health plan.
• Salary-sacrifice car scheme and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Employee assistance programme and additional employee discounts.
• Support for the Armed Forces community, including paid leave for reservists and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers. Interested? If you have a background in military communications, defence networking or secure mission-critical systems and are looking for your next technical challenge, I'd welcome a confidential conversation. Please get in touch to discuss the opportunity and assess whether your experience aligns with the requirement.