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