Overview
We are seeking an experienced Network Security Architect with active UK MoD DV clearance to lead the design and assurance of secure network architecture for a Defence environment. The contractor will create and govern architectural standards and patterns while collaborating closely with delivery teams, network engineers, and security personnel to implement secure network solutions across hybrid environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead secure network architecture design across on-prem/data-centre and hybrid environments.
- Produce and own architecture artefacts, including high-level and low-level designs, standards, and reference architectures.
- Provide technical governance through design reviews, assurance, risk decisions, and exception handling.
- Define and assure solutions for secure boundaries, segmentation, controlled data flows, and secure remote access.
- Collaborate with network engineers, security teams, service owners, and suppliers to drive designs from concept to implementation.
Requirements
- Proven experience in Network Security Architecture within defence, government, or high-assurance environments.
- Strong understanding of secure network design principles, including defence-in-depth and Zero Trust concepts.
- Hands-on experience with routing/switching, firewall architecture, and service segmentation.
- Familiarity with security controls such as proxy, IDS/IPS, and NAC.
- Strong documentation and stakeholder management abilities, capable of briefing both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience with Fortinet, Palo Alto, Check Point, Cisco, or Juniper is desirable.
- Exposure to SASE or SD-WAN in constrained environments is beneficial.
- Prior experience in supporting accreditation and security design sign-off is an advantage.