Solution Architect

Salary: £66,000 - 106,000 per year

Requirements:

• We require a proven record of working in combat systems.
• We need experience of collaborative working with cross-industry and customer teams, ideally multinational.
• We require sound knowledge of MCM solutions.
• We require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels in spoken and written form.
• We require evidence of team working.
• We require experience in developmental lifecycle disciplines, such as requirements capture, modelling and analysis, system design, product development, and IV&V.
• We require experience and knowledge of whole systems engineering lifecycles for complex systems.
• We require knowledge of requirements toolsets, such as IBM DOORS.
• We require leadership skills and the ability to build and sustain good working relationships at all levels.
• We require a sound ability to define the use of systems engineering tools, particularly modelling and requirements management.
• We require the ability to use a range of IT tools.
• We require knowledge of configuration control processes.
• We require the ability to manage a complex project through a defined design process and tailor CHORUS2 to project needs.
• We require the ability to define and use metrics as part of quality assurance and control to change and remodel a systems engineering process.
• We require working knowledge of project plans.
• We require knowledge of engineering safety management in the context of architectural design.
• We require good technical writing skills, good interpersonal communication skills, and first-class presentation skills.
• We require the ability to provide value to the customer.
• We require effective personal organisation and the ability to remain composed and focused under pressure.
• We require experience defining solutions to address obsolescence while minimising impact.
• We require understanding and application of UK MOD standards and equivalence.
• We require experience driving hardware teams to provide suitable electrical and mechanical solutions within given systems constraints.
• We require the ability to work between hardware and software teams to define processing and deployment solutions.
• We require understanding of environmental standards and requirements and their application to deliverable solutions.
• We require an engineering degree or equivalent.
• We require attainment of, or working towards, appropriate professional status such as CEng or equivalent.
• We require UK National status and the ability to achieve Security Clearance (SC) without caveats.
• We generally require UK residence for the last 5 years for full SC eligibility, with some circumstances allowing a minimum of 3 years over the last 5 years with additional overseas checks.

Responsibilities:

• We develop and implement solution architectures supporting the Project Design Authority.
• We design systems to meet project needs, optimising the design through trade-offs to maximise customer and Thales value.
• We work closely with hardware and software teams to align the solution and detailed architecture.
• We create, manage, promote, and deliver architectures for MCM projects.
• We analyse customer needs and requirements and assess solution architecture and technical choices.
• We develop and manage requirements specifications at system and subsystem level.
• We support gated reviews and the development lifecycle.
• We interface with the client to define standards and architectural frameworks.
• We perform impact analysis, variation handling, and customer requirement resolution.
• We ensure solution compliance with customer needs, product policy, MTB strategy, and applicable legislation, rules, and regulations.
• We define and author design descriptions and verification objectives.
• We provide technical specifications and interface control documentation.
• We support acceptance and certification.
• We maintain baselines.
• We keep abreast of technical developments within and outside the company.
• We review technical risks and opportunities and related mitigation plans throughout the bid or project.
• We ensure the solution design considers contract requirements, product safety and security, environmental and HSE requirements and standards, and that related certification activities are performed adequately and correctly.
• We are expected to deliver designs and projects to an agreed budget.

Technologies:

• Hardware
• IBM
• Support
• Security
• Architect

More:

We are Thales, a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees across five continents and over 7,500 people in the UK, working across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security to help build a future we can trust. Our Under Water Systems team aims to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, supporting navies around the world to keep people safe across Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Services, and Future Capabilities. This full-time role is based in Cheadle, United Kingdom. We offer a range of benefits including private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus, and more depending on the role. We are committed to equal opportunities, inclusive working, wellbeing, and development across our teams.

last updated 36 week of 2026