Solution Design Authority - US Programmes

Job Title\: Lead Solution Architect – US Programmes

Location\: Warton/Samlesbury (minimum 3 days per week onsite), Hybrid

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Grade\: GG13

Referral bonus\: £1000

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development. We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager. If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE\: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

What you will be doing\:

As a Lead Solution Architect, you will provide specialist expertise across a broad range of information technology disciplines, supporting the delivery of innovative digital solutions that enable the organisation to achieve its strategic and operational objectives.

You will work closely with business leaders, customers, suppliers, and technical specialists to develop and implement digital strategies, improve business processes, manage innovation initiatives, and ensure effective governance across information management and technology functions.

Core duties\:

• Lead the delivery and governance of digital and technology projects across their lifecycle
• Assess system impacts, risks, and opportunities, recommending effective solutions and improvements
• Drive innovation initiatives and promote continuous improvement across the organisation
• Monitor emerging technologies and develop technology roadmaps to support business objectives
• Manage business-critical information systems and ensure effective use of tools, standards, and processes
• Lead user experience and accessibility reviews, ensuring solutions meet business and user needs
• Provide specialist advice on digital transformation, information management, and technology strategy while leading cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Essential Skills\:

• Relevant IT, Engineering, Computer Science, Business degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Significant experience in IT, digital, or information management, with strong understanding of how technology supports business objectives, and experience in complex change environments (ideally defence or regulated sectors), including exposure to IT/architecture practices and frameworks such as TOGAF.
• Strong analytical skills with experience gathering requirements, assessing risks, and developing practical solutions that balance business and technical needs
• Good knowledge of emerging technologies, digital trends, information management, governance, security, and best practice frameworks

The Architecture Practice Team\:

As a Lead Solution Architect, you will be working as part of the Architecture Practice within the Air Sector in a senior role to deliver IT systems that contribute to growth within BAE Systems. This team is the home of future capability development in the Air sector working on cutting-edge platforms, products and technologies whilst engaging across the Air and wider BAE Systems Enterprise. The US Programmes business within the Air Sector has been the principal partner to Lockheed Martin on the F-35 programme since its inception and is contracted for development, production and sustainment to drive readiness, availability and affordability across the global F-35 fleet. Our teams in the UK and US also provide support services to the US Navy and Marine Corps through US AV-8B and T-45 Goshawk programs.

A place where everyone can thrive\:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and encourage discussion of reasonable adjustments where needed.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard, and many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, including 5–10 years continuous UK residency depending on the role.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. Lifelong learning, meaningful work, and a supportive culture enable you to grow with confidence. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and supported with rewards that matter most to you.