Security Architect Jobs

Design and implement the security frameworks that protect organisations from digital threats. A role that combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking.

Open roles
49
Salary range
£55k – £140k
Hiring companies
28

Security Architects are the guardians of an organisation's digital assets. They design and implement comprehensive security frameworks to protect systems, networks, and data from a wide range of threats. Working closely with other security professionals, they ensure that security measures are robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. Security Architects are in high demand across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government, where the stakes of a security breach are particularly high.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Security Architect

A typical week for a Security Architect is a mix of strategic planning, technical implementation, and collaboration with other teams.

  1. 01
    Conduct threat assessments and risk analyses.
  2. 02
    Design and document security architectures and policies.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into the software development lifecycle.
  4. 04
    Monitor and respond to security incidents.
  5. 05
    Stay updated on the latest security trends and threats.
  6. 06
    Advise on compliance and regulatory requirements.
Salary on the board

£55k – £140k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 38 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
55
140
26 jobs
Lead
58
140
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 64 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Security Architecture
44%
AWS
39%
Azure
34%
Cloud Security
34%
Threat Modelling
28%
Risk Assessment
27%
NIST
17%
Compliance
17%
DevSecOps
16%
SABSA
16%
Zero Trust
16%
ISO 27001
16%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for security architects. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Security Architect

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and implementation of security solutions, focusing on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

  2. Level 2

    Security Architect

    3–5 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of security architectures, ensuring they meet organisational needs and regulatory requirements.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Security Architect

    6–8 yrs

    Oversee multiple security projects, provide strategic direction, and mentor junior team members.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Security Architect

    9+ yrs

    Drive the overall security strategy, influence organisational policies, and lead a team of security professionals.

Pathway

How to become a Security Architect

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Gain foundational knowledge

    Start with a strong understanding of IT and security fundamentals, including networking, operating systems, and security protocols.

  2. 2

    Specialise in security

    Focus on security-specific areas such as cryptography, threat modelling, and security architecture design.

  3. 3

    Gain practical experience

    Work in roles that involve hands-on security tasks, such as security analyst or security engineer, to build practical skills.

  4. 4

    Advance to architect roles

    Transition into a Security Architect role, where you will design and implement security solutions at an organisational level.

  5. 5

    Lead and mentor

    Take on leadership responsibilities, guiding junior architects and influencing the overall security strategy.

  6. 6

    Influence at the executive level

    Become a trusted advisor to senior management, shaping the organisation's security vision and strategy.

Live jobs

49 live roles

See all 49 roles
Experis logo

Security Architect

DV Cleared Security Architect£650-£700 per day | Outside IR35Basingstoke | 5 Days On SiteActive DV Clearance RequiredWe're supporting a major Defence programme and are looking to engage an experienced DV Cleared Security Architect to join a high-assurance environment delivering critical...

Experis Basingstoke, Hampshire, United Kingdom £650 – £700 pd
Experis logo

Security Architect

The role involves designing and implementing secure solutions for complex customer environments, particularly in Defence and Government sectors. Responsibilities include security architecture, threat modelling, cloud security, and stakeholder engagement. The position offers a mix of home working and travel to customer sites.

Experis Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Security Architect

The Security Architect role at Triad involves designing and assuring secure solutions for client engagements, championing Secure by Design principles, and leading threat modelling activities. You will work closely with stakeholders to define security architectures, ensure compliance with standards, and embed security best practices throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Triad London, United Kingdom £75,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Security Architect

This role involves defining and delivering robust cloud security frameworks and architectures for a high-profile UK Central Government project. You will act as a Subject Matter Expert, influencing key stakeholders and contributing to strategic security decisions across multiple workstreams.

Matchtech London, United Kingdom £550 – £620 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

This role involves designing and assuring technical security architectures for high-threat government environments, focusing on secure system delivery and risk mitigation. You will work closely with security governance teams to influence design decisions, implement controls, and guide technical teams using both established and emerging technologies. The position requires active stakeholder engagement and the development of security frameworks, standards, and reference architectures across complex, sensitive systems.

TXP London, United Kingdom £700 – £750 pd
On-site Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

This role involves providing security guidance, defining architectures, and ensuring compliance with security standards. You will collaborate with project, engineering, and DevOps teams to embed security into the delivery lifecycle and manage risks across multiple initiatives.

Queen Square Recruitment Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom £450 – £500 pd
Hybrid Contract

Security Architect

The role involves providing security architecture leadership on a high-profile Defence programme, embedding 'Secure by Design' principles across complex technical projects. The architect will assess technical designs, define and validate security controls across infrastructure, cloud, identity, and integration layers, and contribute to risk workshops and governance forums. They will ensure compliance with MOD, HMG, and NCSC policies while maintaining architectural coherence across multiple suppliers and workstreams.

Exceed Cyber limited Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HB, United Kingdom £600 – £650 pw
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

This role involves leading security architecture for AI/ML and cloud-based systems within a UK Defence programme, focusing on Secure by Design principles and DevSecOps integration. The architect will define security strategy, conduct threat modelling, and ensure compliance across multi-cloud and edge environments. They will also mentor teams and engage with senior stakeholders to govern security assurance in a mission-critical context.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom £600 – £650 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required
Top hirers

Companies hiring security architects

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FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in computer science or a related field is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as CISSP or CISM.

  • Key skills include a deep understanding of security principles, strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and excellent communication abilities.

  • Gain experience in security engineering, specialise in security architecture, and take on leadership roles to advance to a Security Architect position.

  • Salaries for Security Architects can vary widely based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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