Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

£70,000 - £75,000 per annum

Hybrid / Corsham (onsite 2 days p/w)

Full Time, Permanent

Shape the Future of Defence IT as a Solution Architect

Are you an experienced Solution Architect ready to take charge of delivering cutting-edge IT solutions? This is your chance to make a significant impact on the Ministry of Defence's End User Services (EUS) capabilities.

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

Working with Thorn SDS, you will help design and deliver solutions that meet critical operational requirements while addressing technical uncertainties. Join us to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of national defence.

About the Role

As the Solution Architect, you will be instrumental in the planning, design, and delivery of Work Packages to enhance IT capabilities. Collaborating with Defence stakeholders, you ll ensure that high-level and low-level designs meet security and operational standards, supporting the MoD s broader objectives.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Planning and Design Artefacts: Scope and develop specific inputs to support the Full Business Case
• Design Assurance: Review and validate solution designs, ensuring alignment with Secure By Design principles.
• Technical Governance: Collaborate with governance teams to secure approval for proposed designs.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage technical risks associated with IT capabilities.
• Strategic Deliverables: Contribute to high-level designs, proof of concept developments, cost estimates, roadmaps, and incremental delivery schedules.

What You ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you ll need a proven ability to design, develop, and deliver IT solutions within highly regulated environments.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Expertise in developing high-level and low-level designs.
• Knowledge of Secure by Design principles and their application (JSP440).
• Experience with: End User Services (EUS) within the MoD; Delivery of on-premises capabilities, preferably within the MoD.
• Familiarity with key standards and frameworks: JSP604 (including technical documentation requirements); JSP453; NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, NIST 800-37, and NIST 800-53.
• Domain knowledge of MoD design authority and approval processes.
• Experience with Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA).

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: Play a critical role in enhancing the UK s national defence infrastructure.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Balance onsite collaboration with remote working.
• High-Profile Role: Influence the delivery of IT capabilities with long-term implications.

The Benefits You ll Receive:

• 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Onsite parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Wellbeing Scheme
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Personal Development Opportunities

Ready to Apply?

If you re an experienced Solution Architect ready to tackle critical challenges in defence IT, we want to hear from you! Submit your application today and help shape the future of Defence IT capabilities.

All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and be eligible to obtain National Security Clearance to a high level.

No agencies please.

If you have experience in one of the below roles then this role may be of interest to you: Technical Architect; Enterprise Architect; Application Architect; Technical Solutions Engineer; Software Engineer; Technical Lead; DevOps Engineer; Infrastructure Engineer.