Principal Architect (Defence)

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Defence & National Security Principal Architect

As a Principal Architect in Kainos Defence & National Security, you’ll be accountable for successful delivery of large-scale high-quality solutions which delight our customers and impact the lives of users worldwide.

You will provide assurance and support to multi-skilled agile teams by understanding the outcomes the solution is trying to achieve, the technical implications and complexity surrounding you and your teams' designs and helping teams make the right decisions.

You’ll work with senior stakeholders across MOD, Government Agencies and other companies to set strategic direction and drive successful delivery of complex projects across a wide range of domains.   You will be adept at balancing the dynamic demands of urgent operational needs, whilst understanding the impact on strategic goals, communicating the trade-offs to senior stakeholders.

As a technical leader in the account, you will work with your colleagues to develop customer relationships, develop account strategies and share knowledge and mentor those around you.

You’ll do this whilst advising about new technologies and approaches, with room to learn, develop and grow.

Essential Experience

• Accountable Technical Leadership: Proven track record of leading and delivering complex software, data, and infrastructure solutions across varied project sizes and complexities.
• Engineering Leadership: Strong engineering background with a focus on leading, assuring, and communicating effectively with multi-skilled agile engineering teams.
• Defence Sector Experience: Experience working within the Defence sector, current SC c and eligible for further clearance.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Proven ability to build trust and influence senior stakeholders, including shaping architectural principles and strategic direction. 
• Communication: Able to clearly communicate technical designs to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Non-Functional Requirements: Experienced in identifying and addressing non-functional requirements such as performance, scalability, and security.
• Emerging Technology Awareness: Ability to advise on and evaluate new technologies and approaches, especially in the context of Defence environments and digital transformation.
• Cloud Experience: Experienced with public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), including SaaS and PaaS offerings.
• Business Development: Pro-actively supports account growth in collaboration with sales and account leads.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands commercial implications of architectural decision and contributes to bid shaping and cost optimisation
• Customer-Centric thinking: Focus on user outcomes and experience, ensuring solutions are not only technically sound but also impactful for users.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Actively mentors and coaches team members and contributes to the wider professional community.

Desirable Experience

• Thought Leadership and External Influence: Participates in external forums, conferences, or publications to influence industry thinking and raise company/personal profile.
• Security Architecture: Understanding of secure design principles, especially relevant to Defence environments, e.g. hosting, data, software
• Global or Multi-National Partner Experience: Experience delivering solutions with multi-national partners, e.g. NATO and US.
• Capability Building: Contributed to wider capability development, such as engineering practises, reusable assets, or internal communities of practise

Who You Are

We’re looking for someone who embodies our values and brings the following qualities to the team.

• Determined: You’re flexible and overcome obstacles to get the job done to achieve personal, team, and business goals.
• Creative: You actively look for better ways to do things using your imagination to find fresh solutions to complex problems.
• Honest: Always constructive when giving or receiving feedback, being transparent and truthful when dealing with others.
• Respectful: You treat others as you would like to be treated being encouraging, accepting and supportive to everyone you deal with.
• Cooperative: You share information, knowledge and experience, understanding the mutual benefits of team working.

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. 

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. 

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.