Job Description

Role Overview

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who are committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.


We are currently recruiting for a Systems Architect with SATCOM experience, to support the development of architecture baselines for cutting-edge SATCOM programmes. This is a pivotal role where your expertise will shape the "As-Is" and "To-Be" system architectures, ensuring alignment with user needs, technical processes, and MOD standards.


You'll be part of a dynamic Defence Digital environment, collaborating with engineers, stakeholders, and programme teams to deliver structured, maintainable, and future-ready system architectures.

Responsibilities

Support the SATCOM architecture team within the SEDA framework. Develop and maintain SATCOM Programmes System Architecture baselines. Capture and manage system interfaces, interdependencies, and architecture documentation in the Authority repository. Translate user needs into system functionality using Use Cases. Contribute to the SATCOM architecture roadmap from "As-Is" to "To-Be." Communicate effectively between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Military communications satellite systems knowledge. Familiarity with MOD ways of working (KiD, GEAR). Proven experience developing system architecture baselines, including interface control. Strong understanding of technical architecture processes for complex systems. Knowledge of Satellite Communication Systems. Familiarity with the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF). Ability to translate user needs into clear, functional systems using Use Cases. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Knowledge & Experience

Experience with architecture tools (BizzDesign preferred, Sparx EA). Knowledge of architecture modelling languages (ArchiMate preferred, UML, SysML). Understanding of full Systems Engineering lifecycle (INCOSE, ISO/IEC 15288). Experience developing service architectures and solutions.

Benefits

25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays) Employer Pension Contributions Group Life Insurance Dental Cashback Plan Health Cashback Plan Wellbeing Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits) Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution Employee Referral Scheme Cycle to Work Scheme Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities

Apply

If you have the expertise to support

this requirement

and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today!


All applicants must hold the

Right to Work in the UK

and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of

National Security Clearance

.


Due to the nature of our business, your nationality, previous nationalities, and country of birth may influence the types of roles for which you are eligible. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website or click here.