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# Lead Systems Architect

- **Company:** Thales Group
- **Location:** Crawley, United Kingdom
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Architectural Patterns, Requirements Management, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Modeling Language, DOORS (Software), SC Clearance, Polarion
- **Published:** November 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://thales.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Crawley/Lead-Systems-Architect_R0342116

## About the Role

You are likely to be an experienced Systems Engineer, Technical Lead or Architect who enjoys solving complex problems and working across multiple stakeholders., * Experience developing system or solution architectures within complex engineering environments.

 * Strong understanding of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management and architectural frameworks.
 * Experience applying MBSE and SysML methodologies.
 * Knowledge of requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS, Polarion or similar.
 * The ability to balance technical, commercial and customer considerations when making decisions.
 * Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
 * A proven track record of delivering successful engineering solutions within cost, schedule and quality constraints.

Experience in defence, aerospace, simulation, training systems, safety-critical or highly regulated environments would be advantageous., Due to the nature of our work, this role requires Security Clearance (SC). Existing clearance is advantageous; however, candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain SC clearance.

## Description

As a Systems/Solution Architect, you will play a key role in defining solutions that deliver value to our customers while ensuring long-term product viability. Acting as the technical bridge between customer needs, business objectives and engineering delivery, you will translate complex requirements into innovative, robust and sustainable solutions.

You will be responsible for developing solution architectures that align with product strategy, budget, schedule and customer expectations, while identifying opportunities for innovation and future growth. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will ensure solutions remain technically coherent and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle.

What You'll Be Doing

 * Defining end-to-end solution architectures for complex customer programmes.
 * Translating customer and stakeholder requirements into innovative technical solutions.
 * Leading architectural decision-making and technical trade-off analysis.
 * Identifying and mitigating technical risks across systems, software, security and safety domains.
 * Applying Systems Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches.
 * Managing requirements flow-down, verification and validation activities.
 * Producing and reviewing architectural models, design artefacts and technical documentation.
 * Supporting customer engagement, bids, capture activities and technical reviews.
 * Ensuring solutions are delivered to required cost, schedule and quality commitments.
 * Influencing product evolution and technology roadmaps to maintain long-term solution viability.