Solution Architect (Secure Communications) at Ministry of Defence, Corsham, 12 Months, £Contract Rate

Role Purpose

To provide expert system architecture, technical assurance, and migration design services for the UK Strategic Command's Military Messaging Solution (MMS). The role will lead the architectural governance, legacy modernisation, and interoperability engineering to ensure secure, multi-domain military messaging systems align with MOD standards and NATO/Allied frameworks.

Active DV Clearance is an essential requirement for this role.

As a Solution Architect (Secure Communications), your main responsibilities will be:

Architectural Governance & Strategy

• Own and maintain full technical design accountability for the Military Messaging Solution target architecture.
• Develop and assure high-level (HLD) and low-level designs (LLD) for secure, multi-domain military message routing across distinct security domains.
• Ensure all designs comply with MOD standards, including JSP604/453.
• Verify system topologies align with standard protocols such as STANAG 4406, STANAG 5066, ACP127, and DOI 103(s).
• Collaborate on information assurance mapping, including security boundaries, Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS), Guard gateways, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) token structures to meet defence accreditation requirements.

Legacy Modernisation & IP Migration Design

• Design and lead the transition from legacy synchronous serial infrastructure to IP-routed network environments.
• Develop obsolescence roadmaps for legacy hardware cryptographic devices and message switches.
• Produce interim bridging architecture configurations to maintain live service continuity during migration phases.

External Integration & Interoperability Engineering

• Deliver reference architectures for integration with CCEB (5-Eyes) and NATO multi-national messaging gateways.
• Standardise and specify technical configurations for securely onboarding maritime endpoints, including mobile naval units and tactical nodes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Act as an independent technical advisor during project updates and stakeholder workshops.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with UK Strategic Command and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure all work is conducted within OFFICIAL and OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE security classifications.

Essential:

• Experience designing secure military communications, military messaging or equivalent secure communications solutions.
• Strong knowledge of MOD standards (JSP604/453) and secure communications protocols, including military messaging protocols (STANAG 4406, STANAG 5066, ACP127, DOI 103(s)).
• Experience in designing and migrating legacy communication systems to IP-based networks.
• Experience of IP networking architecture and cryptographic technologies.
• Familiarity with Cross-Domain Solutions, Guard gateways, and PKI security frameworks.
• Experience working with NATO and Allied interoperability standards and frameworks.
• Ability to produce high-level and low-level technical designs and architectural documentation.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and independent advisory roles.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of maritime and tactical communication systems.
• Experience with cryptographic hardware lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with CCEB (5-Eyes) communication standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

The MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.