Security Design Architect

Security Design Architect

Stevenage (3 days onsite)

Outside IR35

Active DV Clearance essential

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Security Architect operating at Security Design Authority (SDA) level to support the deployment of new infrastructure and services within a secure defence environment.
This role will work alongside delivery and project teams to ensure solutions are designed, implemented and operated in accordance with Secure by Design principles and measurable assurance standards.
The successful candidate will provide authoritative security oversight across the solution life cycle, ensuring controls are appropriately defined, implemented, validated and continuously assured.

Key Responsibilities
Secure by Design & Assurance
Lead and contribute to Secure by Design reporting and documentation
Work closely with stakeholders to define and agree security requirements
Ensure solutions align with organisational and defence security standards
Provide authoritative security governance across infrastructure and service deployments

Solution Security Design & Validation
Produce security architecture designs for new infrastructure and services
Review and validate existing solution designs against required security standards
Ensure security requirements are Embedded early in delivery life cycles

Assurance & Control Validation
Enforce compliance with defined security and assurance standards
Validate that security controls are implemented as designed
Assess control effectiveness across design and implementation phases
Conduct periodic security posture reviews across deployed services

Governance & Risk Management
Identify and manage security risks throughout delivery
Support security accreditation and assurance processes where applicable
Engage with key stakeholders to ensure security obligations are understood and met
Provide clear, risk-based security advice to technical and non-technical audiences

Required Experience
Extensive experience operating as a Security Architect within secure or defence environments
Experience working at Security Design Authority (SDA) level or equivalent
Strong background in Secure by Design principles and assurance frameworks
Experience validating and enforcing measurable security controls
Demonstrable experience supporting infrastructure and service deployments
Experience conducting security posture reviews and control assessments
Proven stakeholder engagement within complex delivery environments

Technical Background
Infrastructure security (on-prem, hybrid or cloud environments)
Identity and Access Management
Network segmentation and secure architecture patterns
Logging, monitoring and security control frameworks
Familiarity with MOD/defence security standards (eg JSPs, RMADS, accreditation processes)