At CGI, we are shaping the future of defence technology through our role in one of the UK’s most significant ICT transformation programmes. As a Solution Architect, you will take a lead in designing and defining high-value solutions that directly contribute to mission success for the Defence client. You’ll play a central role in delivering complex, secure, and scalable ICT services that drive operational excellence, while being part of a collaborative team that values creativity, ownership, and innovation. This is your opportunity to help influence a multi-£100M programme, expand CGI’s footprint in Defence, and deliver lasting impact for our clients and the UK.
CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK ‘Best Employer’ by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you’ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We’ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.
Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This position will have frequent onsite commitments in Reading and Chippenham.
Your future duties and responsibilities
In this role, you will provide specialist architectural leadership across your domain, shaping solutions that support one of the UK’s most critical Defence ICT transformation programmes. You will design, develop, and document innovative technical options, ensuring they align with the client’s requirements and CGI’s disciplined approach to system integration. Your work will have direct influence on the bid’s success and the long-term delivery of secure, resilient services.
You will work alongside a collaborative team of subject matter experts, contributing your knowledge across areas such as hosting, networks, applications, workplace services, or testing. Through your expertise, you will help expand CGI’s Defence footprint, create professional artefacts for major bids, and ensure the solutions we propose are both technically sound and commercially competitive.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead & Innovate: Provide solution options in your specialist domain to shape a winning bid strategy
- Develop & Deliver: Produce professional artefacts suitable for a major MOD programme
- Analyse & Estimate: Provide effort and cost modelling to underpin bid submissions
- Collaborate & Integrate: Work with CGI and partner teams to ensure cohesive system architecture
- Optimise & Improve: Apply experience in Defence and Enterprise Systems to drive innovation and resilience
Required qualifications to be successful in this role
You should bring proven experience in Defence ICT or complex Enterprise Systems, with strong skills in architecture and solution design. A background in producing bid artefacts, technical documentation, or cost models will be highly valued, alongside expertise in one or more relevant domains such as hosting, networking, workplace services, or application platforms.
Essential qualifications:
- Experience in Defence ICT programmes and Enterprise Business Systems
- Strong proficiency in solution architecture and design processes
- Proven ability to contribute professional artefacts for major bids/programmes
- Specialist expertise in at least one of: Windows/Server Core Apps (Exchange, Teams, VDI), Network Design/Firewalls, or Cloud Hosting of Enterprise Systems
Desirable qualifications:
- Familiarity with VMware Cloud Foundation (NSX, vRealize, ARIA)
- Knowledge of Defence networking and firewall environments
- Experience with Workplace Apps (Teams, SharePoint), storage/backup solutions, or application integration/packaging
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