Lead Architect
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | Cheshire/ Hybrid |
| Area | North West, UK |
| Sector | Defence & Nuclear |
| Salary | £115 Per Hour |
| Start Date | March 11th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Priyanka Dubey |
| Job Ref | 7360-PSR1JP00099291 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | SC |
- Description
- The Client:
A government department client is looking for a Lead Architect to join them on a 12 month contract. This position will be based in Cheshire/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
- This position is for a lead architect to drive forward the high level and low level designs for the Shared Layer 3 project.
- The person will be responsible for producing high level, detailed and any other relevant documentation.
- They will be responsible for providing technical leadership and guidance. Owning any decisions until they are resolved.
- Act as the domain lead architect within their area (Shared layer 3 system), accountable for design integrity and secure-by-design practices.
- Translate business and risk requirements into secure architectural designs across IT and OT systems.
- Develop security architecture artefacts (e.g. threat models, design patterns, blueprints) in alignment with strategic frameworks and regulatory expectations.
- Support and guide projects through architecture governance and risk assessment.
- Provide technical leadership to less experienced architects and engineers, supporting career development and capability uplift.
- Collaborate across architecture, cyber, and delivery functions to ensure architectural alignment and risk mitigation.
- Perform security assurance activities including design reviews and architecture assessments for new and evolving solutions.
- Influence key design and investment decisions by providing expert-level risk insight and solution options to stakeholders.
- Contribute to the evolution of the Security Architecture Framework, providing insight into domain-specific trends, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
- Maintain current knowledge of cyber threats and security technologies within the relevant domain.
- Delivering Evergreen.
- Own the end to end design process – architecture.
- High level piece.
- Technical specialist bringing together to a coherent story.
- Governance & approvals.
- As it matures (and is relatively mature already) – working with project & programme technical lead.
- Making sure meeting the objectives of high level architecture.
- Owning the architecture & technical details for delivery.
- Work with 3rd parties when they start getting towards delivery.
- Outline system design, taking it through high & low level.
Essential:
- IT skillset – Virtualisation, directorate services, management, monitoring, updating some OT experience/exposure.
- Cross domain solutions would be a massive plus.
- Clear deliverables where they’ve lead multimillion £ deliveries.
- Large scale deployment of virtualisation platforms, private clouds & modern infrastructure deliveries.
An active SC clearance is required for this role. At a minimum, candidates must be eligible and willing to undergo security clearance. Due to the short-term nature of the contract and the urgency of the requirement, the client may prioritise applicants who already hold active SC clearance and meet all essential criteria.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
Disability Confident:
As a member of the disability confident scheme, the Client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant:
As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Client guarantees to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- This position is for a lead architect to drive forward the high level and low level designs for the Shared Layer 3 project.
