Solution Architect – Secure Military Systems

Job Title\: Maritime Systems Architect – Defence & Security

Location\: Christchurch or Frimley - Given the exciting nature of the role, work is undertaken primarily at BAE Systems sites and customer locations

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Referral Scheme\: £1,000

Grade\: GG12

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE\: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

Job Description\:

As a Solution Architect within our Digital Intelligence business, you will help shape the future of maritime capability across the Royal Navy, allied naval forces and wider defence customers.

Working at the intersection of operational need and technical innovation, you will lead the development of integrated solutions that support modern naval operations, maritime situational awareness, secure communications, platform integration and digital transformation initiatives.

You will collaborate with customers, engineering teams, delivery specialists and industry partners to define architectures, influence requirements and solve some of the most complex challenges facing today's maritime domain. From front-line vessels and shore-based command environments through to next-generation connected capabilities, your work will directly contribute to operational effectiveness and mission success.

This is a unique opportunity to combine technical leadership, customer engagement and strategic thinking while working on programmes that have real-world impact. Whether your background is maritime systems, naval communications, platform integration, combat systems, networks or digital transformation, you will play a key role in delivering innovative and resilient solutions for our customers.

Essential skills\:

• Experience delivering complex technical solutions within maritime, defence, naval, aerospace, communications or other mission-critical environments
• Understanding of maritime platforms, naval operational concepts or integrated mission systems
• Strong technical knowledge across systems integration, digital architectures, secure communications, networks, software-enabled capabilities or platform modernisation
• Experience engaging with customers and stakeholders to translate operational needs into practical technical solutions
• Ability to evaluate technical, operational, commercial and programme considerations when making architectural decisions
• Proven experience preparing technical proposals, solution designs and architecture artefacts
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences

Core Duties\:

• Development of innovative solution architectures for maritime and naval defence programmes
• Engage directly with customers to understand operational challenges and shape future maritime capability
• Collaborate with engineering, programme and business development teams to develop compelling technical solutions
• Support bids and growth opportunities through the development of winning technical proposals
• Design end-to-end solutions spanning platforms, shore infrastructure, communications and digital services
• Produce architecture documentation and design artefacts throughout the solution lifecycle

The Solution Architects Digital Intelligence Team\:

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is a leading supplier of innovative and secure military defence solutions and services delivering to the UK and international customers and home to over 4,500 talented digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to understand complex customer challenges in a rapidly evolving world so that armed forces, governments and partners can unlock the digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive\:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date\: 9th October 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.