About this role
Join our team as a Senior Solutions Architect supporting the design and delivery of complex, autonomous and mission‑critical systems within a defence environment. You will be responsible for defining, managing and delivering end‑to‑end solution architectures, working across multidisciplinary teams to ensure systems meet operational, regulatory and performance requirements.
This role spans the left side of the V‑model, requiring strong architectural judgement, technical leadership, and the ability to balance design trade‑offs across software, infrastructure and system integration.
Location: Stockport (Manchester)
On-site: 4–5 days per week
Seniority: Senior
Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities
Create, manage and deliver solution architectures for complex defence systemsAnalyse stakeholder needs and system requirements, assessing architectural options and technical trade‑offsDevelop and manage System and Sub‑system Requirements SpecificationsDefine and authorise design descriptions, interfaces and verification objectivesSupport the definition and application of architectural frameworks and engineering standardsConduct impact analysis, compliance assessments and requirement resolutionProvide technical leadership and architectural direction across engineering teamsEngage with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of architecture, delivery and operational intentReview technical risks, opportunities and mitigation plans throughout bids and project lifecyclesEnsure solutions comply with regulatory, safety, security and environmental requirements Required Skills
Proven experience working as a Solutions Architect or Senior Systems Engineer on complex systemsStrong understanding of software‑led system architectures, operating on the left side of the V‑modelAbility to work across multiple programming and scripting languages, including Python, Java, C/C++, and Bash / PowerShellExperience with containerised and virtualised environments (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, VMs)Working knowledge of Linux‑based systems, networking fundamentals (TCP/IP), and cloud architecturesFamiliarity with UML (basic) and architectural modelling approachesExperience in regulated or safety‑critical environments, with exposure to manual and automated testingSoft Skills & Collaboration
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skillsAbility to communicate complex architectural concepts clearly at all levelsConfident providing technical leadership and influencing decisionsStructured, analytical thinker with strong deductive reasoningSelf‑motivated and able to operate effectively under pressureRequired Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.Desirable Skills
Experience with automated deployment and CI/CD approachesExposure to robotics or autonomous systemsBroader systems engineering background spanning software, infrastructure and networkingPrevious experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style A huge diversity of engineering projects and industriesPrivate Medical InsuranceCycle & Tech Scheme Employee assistance programmeLife insurance & Pension SchemeSocial atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildingsFlexible way of working (role dependent)We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.