Solution Architect - 12 months' Fixed Term Contract

We are seeking a highly capable IT Solution Architect to join our Digital Technology function within the Architecture team. This role will be central to the successful delivery of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) replacement programme, operating as part of a broader transformation that includes internal teams and third-party consultancy partners.

Working under the direction of the Lead Architect, the Solution Architect will serve as a trusted point of reference for the programme, helping translate business vision into robust technology designs while ensuring architectural coherence across applications, data, security, and integration landscapes., Architecture & Design:

• Develop end-to-end solution architectures for the replacement and integration of MES platforms across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure alignment of MES solutions with existing enterprise systems such as ERP, quality systems, SCADA, historians, and other operational technologies.
• Produce architecture artefacts including conceptual and logical designs, data and integration models, interface specifications, and design rationale.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership:

• Work closely with the Lead Architect to maintain architectural consistency and alignment with enterprise technology strategy.
• Serve as a primary architectural contact for programme teams and external consultancy partners, guiding solution decisions and clarifying design intent.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, engineering, QA, and IT stakeholders to ensure proposed solutions meet business needs and regulatory constraints.

Data & Security:

• Ensure MES data models, data flows, manufacturing records, event logs, and quality-related data are effectively designed and governed.
• Develop solutions that embed security-by-design principles, including access control, traceability, segregation of duties, and secure interfaces.
• Address compliance requirements related to regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., auditability, electronic records, validation).

Integration & Connected Systems:

• Design robust, reliable integration patterns between MES, ERP, automation systems, and other operational applications.
• Ensure end-to-end process consistency across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and reporting systems.
• Validate integration approaches with third-party consultancies to ensure they align with enterprise architecture standards and regulatory expectations.

Governance & Compliance:

• Apply enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF (or similar) to guide structured design, documentation, and governance.
• Support architecture review boards and ensure adherence to architectural standards and regulatory controls.
• Identify and manage architectural risks, especially those associated with regulated manufacturing environments and operational technology integrations.

Do you have experience in TOGAF?, * Proven experience as a Solution Architect on large-scale transformation programmes, ideally involving MES platforms or manufacturing/operational systems.

• Strong understanding of MES solutions, production workflows, shop-floor operations, automation technologies, and related integration patterns.

• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF or equivalent).

• Strong knowledge in:

• Application architecture for MES and manufacturing systems

• Data architecture, lineage, record management, and governance

• Security principles in operational and regulated environments

• Integration technologies (API, message-based, OT interfaces, middleware)

• Experience collaborating with third-party consultancy partners within structured transformation initiatives.

• Experience working within a highly regulated manufacturing environment (e.g. medical, aerospace and defence)

Desirable Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Pragmatic, collaborative, and able to influence outcomes across diverse teams.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to balance deep technical work and broader architectural alignment.

At Raytheon UK, we take immense pride in being a leader in defence and aerospace technology. As an employer, we are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence. Joining our team means being part of an organisation that shapes the future of national security whilst investing in your growth and personal development. We provide a collaborative environment, abundant opportunities for professional development, and a profound sense of purpose in what we do. Together, we are not just advancing technology; we're building a community committed to safeguarding a safer and more connected world.