Defence Systems Architect

Position OverviewThe Company requires a mid-level Defence Systems Architect to support operations and business development activities in the UK and Europe. A mid-level Defence Systems Architect designs and contributes to the development of end-to-end software solutions that are aligned with business needs. They design the overall architecture for multiple systems with the goal of fitting the needs of external customers and internal business goals. In the organization chart, they report to the Senior Director of Operations, Calian Defence Europe/UK.As a mid-level Defence Systems Architect, you will be responsible for designing and delivering synthetic environments that prepare military personnel for the challenges of modern warfare. Operating across the UK and Europe, you will integrate cutting-edge simulation technology with rigorous defence standards to create high-fidelity, interoperable training systems. This role requires senior level technical competence but operates with midlevel decision making authority within established governance.Core ResponsibilitiesDevelops end-to-end technical blueprints for LVC training solutions within agreed architectural and governance frameworksTaking stakeholder needs into account, makes decisions on end-to-end solutions, including software architectures.Communicates the architecture to the teams.Responsible for mentoring and, providing guidance and direction to all technical staffIdentifies project risks and strategies to mitigate risks.Identifies issues / problems that relate to technology choices, proposed solutions and process and evaluate or recommend options / alternatives that can address those issues / problemsUnderstands current and future requirements and expectations related to projects and corporate objectives and uses that knowledge to estimate effort and select or influence technology choices, technical solutions and architectural frameworksUnderstands the "ilities" and uses that understanding to find solutions, propose frameworks and make sound technical choices to address short-term and long-term objectivesUnderstands standards related to system and software engineering processes to be more effective in recommending viable solutions and approaches that establish an acceptable alignment to leadership and clients’ objectivesEnforces process to ensure quality targets are met by participating in requirements gathering discussions, recommending structural designs, performing design reviews, setting implementation standards and code review rules, providing oversight and direction related to automated testing / load and performance testing etc.Provides support in the execution of a project, idea or concept by informing / influencing leadership, mentoring developers and understanding and addressing technical issues and obstacles. This includes supporting Business Development and Contract initiatives by providing technical input and guidance and working proof of concepts when applicableParticipates in the selection or development of project and corporate tools and the selection and design/implementation of project and corporate infrastructures that can assist in improving quality and productivityParticipates in client meetings and delivers presentations and status for existing and potential clients and partners in support of technical ideas and visionLeads or assists in the writing of white papers and other technical documents to communicate technical requirements, concepts and solutionsCommunicates with other Architects and Technical Leads to identify and exploit technical synergies and examine industry trends to establish longer term project and corporate objectivesHelps to maintain project and corporate backlog tasks that will influence the evolution of project or corporate initiatives and visionTakes direction from BD, PD and PM staff and sometimes from Clients directly (when applicable)Provides input and direction to BD, PD and PM staff depending on the topic, project or initiative (including technical issues, solutions or visions)Responsible for following up with client's technical staff to gather feedback and help resolve client issues (either directly or indirectly by involving key resources)Acts as the technical lead for solution definition within assigned bids, supporting Bid Managers by providing technical inputs and components of those bids.Standards & Interoperability:Simulation: Ensure all architectures comply with defence standards, including but not limited to, HLA (High Level Architecture), DIS (Distributed Interactive Simulation), C2SIM, NATO Education and Training Network Federation Object Model (NETN FOM) and the Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT).C5ISRT (nice to have): Familiar with Defence C5ISRT standards and C2 SystemsBridges the gap between legacy hardware and modern simulation engines like VBS4, Unreal Engine, or Unity.Skills and Qualification:Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent (e.g. Computer Engineering), or three-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 1 year of relevant experience, or two-year diploma in Computer Technology plus 2 years of relevant experience.Security Clearance: Must hold, or be eligible for, UK Developed Vetting (DV) or equivalent European national SECRETExperience RequirementsMinimum 3 years in a Systems Architect/Engineer role within the Defence or Aerospace sectorMinimum 5 years providing technical leadership to teams.Military Domain experience (LVC Training, C5ISRT or otherwise)Knowledge of Security in the Military Domain (UK or otherwise)Nice to haveHands-on experience with cloud infrastructures (AWS/Azure), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and distributed simulation networking.Proven experience in the UK/European defence procurement lifecycleUse of AI in Application Review: Calian may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist our recruitment team in reviewing and evaluating job applications.Data Location and Privacy: As Calian is based in Canada, your application data may be collected, processed, and stored within Canada. Calian is compliant with UK GDPR and EU GDPR and will ensure your data is protected.