> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3580405-principal-digital-specialist-applications-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3580405-principal-digital-specialist-applications-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Digital Specialist - Applications Architect

- **Company:** Scottish Water
- **Location:** Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- **Salary:** £54,776.0 - £74,386.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** .NET Framework, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Applications Architecture, Microsoft Azure, Business Software, Business Systems, Cloud Computing, Cloud Engineering, Software Quality, Cyber Security, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Secure Coding, Power Platform Integration, Event Driven Architecture, Containerization, Serverless Computing, Microservices
- **Published:** October 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/apply/ats-redirect/?id=3002610861-2

## About the Role

To be successful, you will bring strong experience in .NET development, ideally with exposure to solution design, and a solid understanding of modern application architecture covering APIs, integration patterns, cloud native development, DevOps, code quality and secure engineering. You will have a passion for mentoring developers and building high performing engineering capability, along with the ability to influence technical direction, build strong relationships and communicate clearly with both technical and non technical stakeholders.

Curiosity, creativity and a continuous improvement mindset will also be important. Experience with Azure, Power Platform, Line of Business system modernisation or working in a regulated environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

## Description

As Applications Architect, you will drive the transformation of our diverse application landscape, spanning major Line of Business systems, custom .NET services and Power Platform solutions. You will work closely with Cloud Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, Cyber Security, Platforms and business stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic roadmaps and Scottish Water's digital ambitions. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced .NET engineer or tech lead who is ready to step into architecture and influence technology direction across a national organisation.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will reinvent our Line of Business and .NET application estate using modern engineering and architectural approaches while defining application standards, patterns and principles that support consistency, quality and long-term maintainability. You will collaborate closely with Digital Innovation teams to mentor, coach and upskill developers into confident .NET engineers and promote best practice across CI/CD, code quality, testing, secure development and cloud ready design. Alongside this, you will work with the Enterprise Architecture team to shape application strategy, lifecycle plans and future roadmaps, ensuring solutions align with cloud architecture principles and contribute to wider digital transformation goals.

You will also provide architectural oversight for the refresh of major Line of Business applications, working with Cloud Architects to ensure solutions meet standards for security, scalability, resilience and operational support. A key element of the role is championing security by design and modern cloud patterns, including APIs, microservices, event driven design and the use of serverless technologies where appropriate. Partnering with business teams, you will design modern tools and applications that simplify work, improve experiences and deliver real-world value for Scottish Water staff.