Solution Architect

Job Description

Apache iX are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to join our team. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Understanding the clients’ requirements & pain points, providing Subject Matter Expertise (SME), and applying best practice systems thinking; either individually or as part of the team.
• Presenting complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Thinking outside of the box, to implement innovative and effective solutions.

Examples of Tasking

• Managing a technical team of other solution architects and system integrators, responsible for the design, build, integration, and testing of a new complex solution.
• Defining, modelling, and presenting the “As-Is” and “To-Be” states of your client’s service, system, and/or enterprise, including business processes and the system laydown.
• Eliciting user, service and/or system requirements and managing them throughout the programme life cycle, including measures of effectiveness, performance, and acceptance criteria.
• Leading solution options analysis, presenting a range of technical options which meet the requirements at either threshold or objective.
• Generating solution design documentation, including High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs).
• Producing overarching test strategies and plans to support the implementation of solution(s), generating test scripts and carrying them out.
• Leading verification, validation, and acceptance of solutions with stakeholders.

Technical Skills Required

Systems Engineering Techniques and Approaches

• Requirements management, including modelling user stories and use cases.
• Technical solutions options analysis.
• Producing solution design artefacts, including HLDs and LLDs.
• Integrated test evaluation & acceptance, including generating test strategies, plans and scripts.
• Verification & validation and solution acceptance.

Architecture Modelling Techniques and Approaches

• Industry best practice TOGAF, ArchiMate, UML etc.
• Enterprise and solution architecture.

Domain Knowledge Desired

• At least 7+ years’ experience as a Solution Architect.
• Knowledge and/or experience with Defence ICT systems, for example:
  • MOD cloud hosting environments.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or geospatial technology and solutions.
• Knowledge of innovative digital technology, including cloud hosting, virtualised technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Experience applying Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) delivery methodologies.
• Expertise or interest in designing and deploying cloud-based infrastructure (Azure, AWS etc).
• Proven experience in containerisation and container orchestration tools.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or a related/equivalent field or suitable work experience.
• Relevant professional accreditation.
• Active SC vetting status or higher.
• UK National.

The extras you’ll get

We invest in our people and reward them for the commitment they make, we’ll offer you:

• A competitive salary and bonus scheme
• A generous pension and life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus options to tailor to your circumstances
• 10 days additional leave for military reservists
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year
• Individual Doctor@Hand healthcare cover
• Genuine flexible working
• Work from home or our Bristol offices
• The latest secure tech
• Investment in personal development
• Vibrant social scene
• Relocation bonus for Graduates

Why Apache iX?

Our growing team brings a wealth of experience from across the defence and security sector, and we pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality services to our clients.

We do this by creating a culture and environment where the best people want to work. We believe your work life and personal life should be mutually beneficial, we hold regular social events to help bond us as a team, and we offer a genuinely flexible approach to working.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected. We believe that diversity of thought, background, experience, and perspective enhances our ability to innovate and thrive as a team. We actively promote an inclusive culture that embraces differences and ensures equal opportunities for all.

We believe that if you are happy, cared for, and feel part of a team with purpose, you will be motivated to deliver an excellent service to our clients.

What’s next?

Apply with your CV today. Please note, due to the nature of our work, we require our employees to undergo security vetting and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.