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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
25
Salary range
£56k – £110k
Hiring companies
21
View 25 live roles → Get an alert

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

£56k – £110k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 73 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
33% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
108
35 jobs
Lead
64
120
6 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 81 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Security Architecture
40%
Cloud Security
36%
AWS
36%
Threat Modelling
31%
Azure
28%
Risk Assessment
25%
Risk Management
17%
Zero Trust
16%
Network Security
16%
DevSecOps
15%
TOGAF
15%
SABSA
15%
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

25 live roles

See all 25 roles →

Security Architect

This senior role involves defining and implementing software security architecture, leading threat modelling, and embedding security practices across development and CI/CD processes. You will work closely with engineering, product, and quality teams to ensure security is integrated throughout the product lifecycle.

Platform Recruitment Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £80,000 – £95,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Security Architect

The Security Architect role involves leading the design, assurance, and continuous improvement of secure technology solutions across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments. Responsibilities include embedding security throughout the technology lifecycle, supporting cloud adoption, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Copello Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £90 – £110 ph

Security Architect

This role involves defining and owning the software security strategy, standards, and architecture for a diverse product portfolio. You will work closely with engineering teams to embed security throughout the product lifecycle, lead architecture reviews, manage vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

SoCode Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £80,000 – £100,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Security Architect

The Security Architect role involves designing and implementing secure-by-design principles, Zero Trust frameworks, and robust security controls across complex systems. You will collaborate with various teams to ensure high-assurance environments and drive innovation in cybersecurity.

Kingdom People Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Security Architect - Consultant / Senior Consultant

This role involves designing and shaping security solutions for complex technology transformation programmes, translating business and security requirements into practical architectures, and working closely with technical teams and client stakeholders. The position offers opportunities to grow in Security Architecture and work across various sectors and technologies.

Harrington Boyd London, United Kingdom £52,000 – £74,000 pa

Security Architect - SC cleared

This role involves designing and assuring secure architectures across complex technology environments, embedding security into governance and the delivery lifecycle. The Security Architect will translate cyber threats into practical controls, review cloud, hybrid, and on-premises systems, and act as a senior technical authority within a high-assurance, SC-cleared environment. The position requires active SC clearance and focuses on secure-by-design principles across transformation programmes.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler London, United Kingdom £600 – £700 pd

Security Architect - SC Cleared

The Security Architect role involves designing and reviewing security architectures for cyber, cloud, and enterprise environments, providing expert security advice to defence customers, and ensuring security is integrated from the start. You will work closely with customer and delivery teams, produce high-quality documentation, and have a significant influence on the consultancy's security offerings.

Tank Recruitment United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa

Security Architect - Security Cleared

This role involves working as a principal-level technical security lead on a high-assurance UK defence programme. Responsibilities include security architecture, secure information exchange, cyber risk management, network and platform security, IAM, cryptography, cloud and infrastructure security, and customer engagement. The position requires a deep understanding of secure-by-design principles and the ability to transition a developing capability from MVP to operational delivery.

Ex-Mil Recruitment Ltd Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent Clearance Required
See all 25 roles →
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.

London

Location
8 open

Cambridge

Location
3 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Manchester

Location
1 open

Bristol

Location
1 open
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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