Solution Architect - SC Cleared

Solution Architect - Cloud and Infrastructure Location: Bristol – hybrid, 2–3 days onsite per week Contract: 6 months Rate: Up to £750 per day, outside IR35 Security Clearance: SC minimum We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to support a major defence programme, designing secure infrastructure and hybrid cloud solutions across complex, mission-critical environments. The role will involve defining end-to-end technical architectures spanning data centres, Microsoft Azure, Azure Local, Azure Arc and VMware, while providing architecture governance, technical assurance and strategic direction across multiple workstreams. Key responsibilities * Lead the design of secure, scalable and resilient hybrid cloud and infrastructure solutions. * Produce solution designs, architecture artefacts, technical roadmaps and standards. * Translate business and technical requirements into integrated cloud and infrastructure architectures. * Provide architecture governance, technical assurance and stakeholder leadership. * Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, operational and performance requirements. * Present architectural options and recommendations to senior technical and programme stakeholders. Essential experience * Strong Solution Architecture experience within complex enterprise environments. * Deep knowledge of Microsoft Azure, including landing zones, networking, security services, identity and access management and Infrastructure as Code. * Experience designing hybrid cloud solutions using Azure Local and Azure Arc. * Strong VMware experience, including vSphere, NSX, vSAN and virtual data centre architecture. * Experience delivering data centre modernisation, cloud migration and disaster recovery solutions. * Strong stakeholder management and technical leadership skills. * Experience within defence, aerospace, government or another highly regulated environment. * Appropriate security clearance or eligibility to obtain it