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# Principal Solution Architect - Defence & National Security

- **Company:** Sopra Steria Limited
- **Location:** Hemel Hempstead, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Archimate, Togaf, Devsecops
- **Published:** May 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/principal-solution-architect-defence-national-security-hemel-hempstead-hertfordshire/2769668512-2/

## About the Role

* Experience as a Solution Lead, Enterprise Architect, or in a similar role within highly secure defence or national security environments.
 * Strong understanding of defence customers, suppliers, and delivery contexts, including MOD and/or UKIC.
 * Proven ability to design and lead complex solutions across COTS, custom, and enterprise-scale environments.
 * Expertise in architecture approaches and tools such as TOGAF, ArchiMate, and C4, with a secure-by-design mindset.
 * Experience working in agile delivery environments, with knowledge of modern software delivery and DevSecOps practices.
 * Confidence working with senior stakeholders, balancing strategic thinking with practical support to drive delivery success.

## Description

Are you an experienced Solution Lead or Enterprise Architect with a background in highly secure environments? Do you bring defence or national security experience, strong architecture expertise, and a practical, innovative approach to solving complex challenges? If so, we'd like to hear from you.

As Principal Solution Architect, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering enterprise solutions for defence and national security customers. Working with the Office of the CTO, you will combine future-focused innovation with hands-on leadership across existing customer engagements.

This role is split across two core areas:

Innovation & Future Solutions (50%) lead the identification, design, and development of secure, IT-enabled solutions that respond to the evolving needs of clients and the wider sector.

Short-term Customer Initiatives (50%) provide enterprise and solution leadership for rapid reviews, recovery activity, and complex customer challenges, helping to resolve issues and support successful delivery outcomes.

This is a UK-based role, with travel required to client sites along the M4 corridor.

What you will be doing:

 * Lead the design and delivery of secure enterprise and solution architectures for defence and national security clients.
 * Shape innovative, IT-enabled solutions that respond to emerging client and sector needs.
 * Provide solution leadership for short-term assessments, remediation activity, and complex customer initiatives.
 * Build strong working relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams to support successful delivery.
 * Contribute to business growth through pre-sales support, market insight, and representation of Sopra Steria's capabilities.
 * Identify and manage risks, while sharing knowledge through mentoring, workshops, and collaboration.


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