Network Solutions Architect - Various UK

About The Role

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Network Solutions Architect to work for our client within the defence sector. This is initially a 6-month contract with the potential to extend and will be a hybrid role based in Bristol, Chippenham, Reading, or Hemel Hempstead.

Our client is seeking a Network Solutions Architect with at least 5 years' experience to join their Defence Solution Design Authority practice. You will work as a trusted industry partner to their defence customer, supporting internal business units (Sales, Business, Technology, Security, and Operations), key stakeholders, and externally facing third-party technology providers. You will report to the practice manager and be part of an industry-leading Solution Design Authority team, working closely with other architects, designers, technology experts, business managers, and business analysts. You will bring your expertise and diverse experience to each challenge, ensuring successful solution delivery across highly sensitive and unique projects.

You will play a pivotal role in designing and developing scalable, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure solutions supporting the client's extensive network ecosystem, including cloud, data centres, and enterprise systems. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams will be essential to implement the latest networking technologies that ensure seamless performance for internal and customer-facing services.

Responsibilities

• Engage with customers, business stakeholders, and key partners to provide end-to-end architecture governance, leadership, and solution decision-making aligned with the Solution Design Authority principles.
• Develop and own enterprise architecture artifacts, strategies, and roadmaps from business and technology perspectives, including 'as-is', 'to-be', and transitional states, addressing stakeholder requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise to business stakeholders and units, offering consultative engagement, shaping, and qualifying complex service change, delivery, and resource requirements.
• Own and engage key stakeholders and business units in responding to complex customer requests, contract changes, solution design proposals, and bids.
• Deliver architecture outcomes such as proof of concept, whitepapers, bid proposals, and high-level design collateral addressing complex customer requirements.

About You

Technical Requirements

• Enterprise networks (IP Layer 1-7)
• OSI Layers 1-3
• DWDM Optics
• PDH Networking
• Ethernet/LAN
• Enterprise network security and boundary protection, including Service provider networks (e.g., DWDM, SDH, OTN)
• ICT vendor technologies and products (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, F5, Nokia)
• Industry architecture methodologies & languages (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate, ITIL, BPMN)
• Experience with enterprise architecture tools (e.g., iServer, IBM Doors)
• Responding to complex, multi-vendor public sector propositions and bids (RFI, PQQ, ITN, ITT)
• Developing solution roadmaps and governance structures aligned with customer requirements

About Us

Why join us

• Career coaching, mentoring, and upskilling opportunities throughout your FDM career
• Assignments with global companies and opportunities to work abroad
• Opportunities to reskill and upskill into new areas, develop non-linear career paths, and build diverse skillsets
• Benefits include annual leave, workplace pension, and BAYE share scheme

About FDM

We are a leading business and technology consultancy, one of the UK's top employers, with centres across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Our global workforce exceeds 3,500 consultants. FDM has experienced exponential growth and is listed on the FTSE4Good Index, recognized as an award-winning employer.

Diversity and Inclusion

FDM Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected statuses.