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
57
Salary range
£55k – £230k
Hiring companies
31

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 – £230k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 51 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
55
230
29 jobs
Lead
58
140
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 78 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Security Architecture
40%
Cloud Security
37%
AWS
36%
Threat Modelling
32%
Azure
31%
Risk Assessment
26%
Risk Management
19%
DevSecOps
17%
Zero Trust
17%
SABSA
15%
Network Security
15%
Secure by Design
14%
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

57 live roles

See all 57 roles

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 designing and leading the implementation of secure cloud-based architectures for mission-critical systems in highly regulated environments. You'll work closely with engineering and DevSecOps teams to embed security throughout the development lifecycle, using threat modelling, secure design principles, and compliance frameworks. The position requires strong technical leadership and experience in government or defence security standards.

Talent Locker Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JT, United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

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

Security Architect

Security Architect – SOCFarnborough | Hybrid (2 days onsite, 3 days remote)We’re looking for a Senior Security Architect to lead the design, governance and evolution of a modern SOC security architecture.Due to the nature of the clients, the role will...

Fynity Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JT, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa

Security Architect

This role involves providing security architecture leadership on a high-profile defence programme, ensuring secure by design principles are embedded across projects. The Security Architect will assess technical designs, define security controls, and identify risks across infrastructure, cloud, identity, and third-party components. They will contribute to assurance activities, governance forums, and maintain architectural coherence across complex, multi-supplier environments.

Exceed Cyber limited Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £700 – £750 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

The Security Architect will design and integrate secure architectures across systems and networks within a major transformation programme. This role involves evaluating security designs, managing multi-level data security, guiding IAM strategy, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity principles. The role requires identifying security gaps, assessing risks, and supporting secure configuration across the delivery lifecycle.

Clearwater People Solutions West Malling, Kent, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

This role involves designing and leading cybersecurity strategy for a high-profile UK defence programme, focusing on secure transformation of British Army training systems. The Security Architect will develop security architectures, conduct threat modelling, and advise stakeholders across technical and non-technical levels, ensuring compliance with stringent government security standards and embedding security across the system lifecycle.

Matchtech Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Top hirers

Companies hiring security architects

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

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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