Chief Architect

Expleo
Bristol
3 weeks ago
Applications closed

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Overview

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation. We help businesses harness unrelenting technological change to successfully deliver innovations that will help them gain a competitive advantage and improve the everyday lives of people around the globe.

We are searching for aChief Architect for the Skynet Military Satellite Communications network. You’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will provide technical leadership, independent technical oversight, and subject matter expertise to the Skynet engineering teams to develop new and support in-service Satellite Communications systems and services for UK Defence customers. This role is pivotal in shaping the architecture, design, and long-term evolution of the ground segment that supports secure, resilient, and high-capacity satellite communications for the UK’s defence operations.

As Chief Architect, you will lead the strategic technical direction of the ground infrastructure, including satellite ground stations, network management systems, secure data handling, and overall integration with satellite constellations. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders across the MOD, industry partners, and international allies to ensure the ground segment meets the highest standards of performance, security, and operational flexibility in line with military requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Architecture Leadership: Define and maintain the end-to-end architectural framework for the ground segment, ensuring alignment with the overall UK MOD satellite communications strategy.
  • System Integration: Lead the integration of ground segment components with satellite constellations and military communications networks, ensuring seamless interoperability and performance.
  • Technology Strategy: Develop and implement a technology roadmap that supports the modernization, scalability, and resilience of ground infrastructure, including emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, cyber resilience, cloud technologies).
  • Security & Compliance: Ensure the ground segment is designed and operated to meet the highest security standards, adhering to UK defence regulations, cybersecurity frameworks, and operational security requirements.
  • Stakeholder Management: Work closely with MOD leadership, military branches, and external contractors, ensuring all stakeholder needs and operational requirements are captured in the architectural design.
  • Team Leadership & Development: Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, network architects, and cybersecurity experts, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence. Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and operational risks associated with the development and operation of the ground segment.

Qualifications

  • Degree, Master’s or PhD in Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation.

Essential skills

  • As a senior member of the engineering discipline, collaboration and working in partnership comes naturally. You are someone who owns and delivers, who champions high performance and is courageous to challenge the status quo when we need to do better.
  • Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading large-scale technical programs or architecture teams within a defence or high-security environment.
  • Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of satellite ground station infrastructure, RF systems, secure communications, network management systems, and integration with satellite constellations.
  • Security: Comprehensive understanding of defence security requirements, encryption technologies, and secure data handling protocols.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills with a proven track record of engaging with senior military and government stakeholders, as well as external industry partners.
  • Problem Solving: Ability to identify complex technical challenges and develop innovative, scalable solutions within constrained military environments.

Experience

  • Experience working on MOD or equivalent international military satellite communications projects.
  • Knowledge of satellite communications architectures and virtualized network functions (VNFs).
  • Proven Experience: Extensive years of experience in satellite communications or related telecommunications architecture, with a strong focus on ground segment systems and infrastructure.

What do I need before I apply

  • SC/DV (and willing and able to undergo DV)

Benefits

  • Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges.
  • We empower all passionate technology-loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects.
  • ExpleoAcademy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses.
  • Competitive company benefits.
  • Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo.

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