Lead Security Architect - Portsmouth (PO1)
Summary: The Lead Security Architect will oversee security architecture and integration for AI/ML within a Defence DevSecOps context, balancing remote and on-site work. The role requires active MOD SC clearance and UK nationality, focusing on secure multinational collaboration and assurance processes. Key responsibilities include managing security elements across various use cases, stakeholder engagement, and leading the security roadmap. The position demands extensive experience in Cyber Security and familiarity with UK Defence guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Security elements of the program across different use cases for AI/ML development and trials.
- Chair Security Working groups and tri-nation collaboration.
- Manage security visibility and outcomes, manage senior stakeholder engagement.
- Threat and risk management; translate ambiguous requirements into testable controls.
- Define classification-aware architectures, trust boundaries, cross-domain data movement guardrails.
- Provide Security guidance and controls for complex program.
- Lead Security roadmap: DevSecOps, policy-as-code controls, risk-based CI/CD gates.
- Govern supply-chain security: artefact signing, SBOMs, provenance; adopt SLSA-style controls.
- Reduced lead time to secure release; zero-critical promotion checkpoints; supplier onboarding efficiency; executive risk communication.
- Mentor juniors.
Key Skills:
- 5+ years in Cyber Security, proven multi-cloud/edge architecture.
- Defence experience; familiarity with UK guidance; at least MOD SC cleared and UK Sole national.
- Certifications: CISSP (equivalent), TOGAF.
- Adaptability and a pragmatic, positive attitude towards security as a business enabler.
Salary (Rate): £700.00 daily
City: Portsmouth
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: IT
Lead Security Architect (Defence DevSecOps and AI/ML)
Location: Portsmouth
Working model: Remote 50% and 50% onsite
Start date: approx. 24/08/2026
Duration: 23/11/2026
Rate: £640 to £700 inside IR35 through an FCSA approved umbrella
Active MOD SC clearance and sole UK Nationality is required for consideration.
Mission: Own security architecture and the integration roadmap for AI/ML across multi-cloud and edge; align to client IT/cloud strategy and UK Defence priorities; enable secure multinational collaboration and high-side code promotions with repeatable assurance. Manage the Secure by Design elements of the project and own the assurance process end to end.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Security elements of the program across different use cases for AI/ML development and trials.
- Chair Security Working groups and tri-nation collaboration.
- Manage security visibility and outcomes, manage senior stakeholder engagement.
- Threat and risk management; translate ambiguous requirements into testable controls.
- Define classification-aware architectures, trust boundaries, cross-domain data movement guardrails.
- Provide Security guidance and controls for complex program.
- Lead Security roadmap: DevSecOps, policy-as-code controls, risk-based CI/CD gates.
- Govern supply-chain security: artefact signing, SBOMs, provenance; adopt SLSA-style controls.
- Reduced lead time to secure release; zero-critical promotion checkpoints; supplier onboarding efficiency; executive risk communication.
- Mentor juniors
Experience & Qualifications
- 5+ years in Cyber Security, proven multi-cloud/edge architecture.
- Defence experience; familiarity with UK guidance; at least MOD SC cleared and UK Sole national.
- Certifications: CISSP (equivalent), TOGAF
Key Attributes
This role requires essential skills of adaptability and a pragmatic and positive attitude towards security as a business enabler, the technical skills and aptitudes can be learned from the team.
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