Job Description

Cloud Architect (National Security)
Multiple locations across South West and North West
Hybrid with high-side work required approx 3 days a week
80,000 - 120,000 depending on experience
Most cloud architecture roles in National Security claim to offer variety. This one actually does.
This team rotates engineers across projects so people don't get stale. Skills stay sharp. Workloads stay interesting. The culture is far more inclusive and supportive than you normally find in this part of the market.
The feedback from engineers we've placed there has been consistently strong. Good leadership. Collaborative delivery. People who actually enjoy spending time together outside work.
They are scaling organically after major backing from their parent organisation, with a lot of new work coming online from the 'West' Client.
They want a Cloud Architect who can bring experience, calm confidence and real architectural thinking into high-side environments.
If you're already operating in National Security and want somewhere with better culture, better people and broader technical exposure, keep reading...
What you'll be doing
From the official spec :

• Developing and maintaining cloud architecture strategy, standards and best practices
• Designing secure, scalable, highly available cloud solutions (primarily AWS)
• Leading infrastructure build, deployment automation and cloud migration work
• Implementing governance: IAM, security controls, compliance frameworks, cost management
• Monitoring and optimising cloud performance and reliability
• Identifying opportunities for automation and improvement
• Providing architectural guidance to engineering, ops and development teams
• Acting as a subject matter expert in cloud technologies within the organisation

This is hands-on architecture. The kind where you influence the strategy but still feel connected to real engineering work and real mission outcomes.
What you'll bring
Directly from the spec, and lifted from conversations with engineers doing this job today:

• Strong experience delivering cloud-based programmes in Public Sector, Defence or National Security
• Deep grounding in AWS (EC2, VPC, S3, Lambda, IAM, RDS)
• Experience designing secure architectures and performing risk analysis
• Knowledge of containerisation and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Solid grasp of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, load balancing, DNS, VPNs, firewalls)
• Experience with IaC (Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Familiarity with CI/CD tooling and DevOps practices
• Scripting experience (Python, Bash or PowerShell)

Being detail-oriented and comfortable absorbing large quantities of information is important. So is spotting risk early and explaining it to people who aren't technical.
Why people join this team
Based on conversations with placed candidates and your briefing:

• You're not stuck on the same project for years. Rotation keeps your skills broad.
• Supportive team culture and actual work-life balance.
• Real social scene if you want it.
• Strong leadership but no ego.
• Backed by a major parent company with significant investment.
• Lots of secure-side work already flowing, especially awith the 'West' Client.
• Clear progression path with investment in development and career direction.
• A better environment than most large NS suppliers, without the bureaucracy.

Who is this role for?
Engineers already cleared to operate in National Security who:

• Want variety instead of stagnation
• Want a healthier culture and credible progression
• Are based near high-side hubs in South West or North West
• Want architecture responsibility without losing technical depth

Non-negotiables

• Must meet the criteria required to operate at the highest level of UK vetting
• Must be a sole UK national
• Must be willing to work high-side on a hybrid basis

Inclusion
Even if you don't meet every bullet point, you're encouraged to apply. People from underrepresented groups often opt out unless they hit every requirement. If you have secure-sector experience and strong cloud engineering or architecture skills, you'll be considered. Adjustments can be made throughout the hiring process on request.
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Skills Required