Defence Systems Architect

Defence Systems Architect

At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we've grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government. We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you're driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.

The Company requires a mid-level Defence Systems Architect to support operations and business development activities in the UK and Europe. Core responsibilities will be to develop end-to-end technical solutions for LVC training solutions.

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 mid level decision authority within established governance.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end technical blueprints for LVC training solutions within agreed architectural and governance frameworks
• 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 Systems
• Bid Support: Act as the technical lead for solution definition within assigned bids, supporting Bid Managers by provide the technical inputs and components of those bids while identifying and mitigating risks
• Security & Sovereignty: Implement "secure-by-design" principles compliant with SENSITIVE to SECRET classifications.
• Technology Integration: Bridge the gap between legacy hardware and modern simulation engines like VBS4, Unreal Engine, or Unity.

Education & Certifications

• Academic: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field including Computer Science, SW Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field. Master's preferred.
• System Engineering, Architecture & frameworks (accreditation or experience) : INCOSE, CSA, CSSA, CISSP, TOGAF 10 or MODAF (MOD Architecture Framework) certification.
• Security Clearance: Must hold, or be eligible for, UK Developed Vetting (DV) or equivalent European national SECRET

Experience Requirements

• Industry Experience: 3–5 years in a Solution Architect or Technical Lead role within the Defence or Aerospace sector.
• Commercial Acumen: Proven experience in the UK/European defence procurement lifecycle.

Nice to have:

• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with cloud infrastructures (AWS/Azure), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and distributed simulation networking.

Use 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.

At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.