Solutions Architect - Defence & National SecurityLocation: Stoke (Onsite - 5 days per week)Salary: £75,000 + benefitsClearance: UKSV clearance required (must be eligible)About the RoleSanderson Government & Defence is supporting a leading organisation delivering secure, mission-critical solutions into the Defence and National Security sectors.We're looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to design and deliver innovative, secure collaboration solutions tailored to highly sensitive environments. This is a key role working at the forefront of secure technology, helping clients tackle complex challenges across defence and intelligence domains.What You'll Be DoingClient Engagement & ConsultationWork closely with clients and internal stakeholders to understand business needs, technical challenges, and security requirementsTranslate requirements into clear technical specifications and solution designsLead workshops, presentations, and technical demonstrationsAct as a trusted advisor on secure collaboration technologies and emerging threatsSolution Design & ArchitectureDesign end-to-end solutions aligned with security standards and best practicesProduce architecture diagrams, technical documentation, and implementation plansSupport RFI/RFP responses with detailed technical proposalsTechnology EvaluationAssess and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and toolsEvaluate security, compliance, scalability, and interoperabilityProvide clear recommendations with supporting rationaleDelivery & ImplementationWork with engineering, project teams, and vendors to ensure successful deliveryProvide technical oversight throughout the project lifecycleSupport issue resolution and ensure solutions meet client expectationsInnovation & LeadershipStay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and security developmentsDrive continuous improvement and innovation across solutionsContribute to thought leadership and best practicesMentor and support junior team membersKey Skills & ExperienceProven experience as a Solutions Architect within Defence, National Security, or secure environmentsStrong understanding of secure collaboration technologies (messaging, file sharing, video, IA)Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF)Strong cloud knowledge (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Experience across networking, virtualisation, and cybersecurity toolsExcellent communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesDesirableRelevant certifications (CISSP, TOGAF, CCSP, ITILv4)Experience responding to RFIs/RFPsBackground in complex, multi-stakeholder environmentsWhat's on OfferSalary of £75,000 plus a comprehensive benefits packageOpportunity to work on high-impact, mission-critical projectsExposure to cutting-edge secure technologiesCollaborative, expert-led environmentOngoing professional development and career progressionImportant InformationDue to the nature of the work, candidates must hold UKSV clearance or be eligible to obtain it.If you're an experienced Solutions Architect looking to apply your expertise in a highly secure, purpose-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.Reasonable Adjustments:Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.JBRP1_UKTJ