Role Overview

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who is committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to provide specialist architecture support within the SATCOM team. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, maintaining, and governing the Programme Architecture Baselines, enabling the effective evolution of SATCOM capabilities from current (As-Is) systems toward future (To-Be) solutions.

This is a long-term opportunity supporting major defence programme areas, contributing directly to the technical coherence and engineering governance of critical SATCOM systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the SATCOM Team within the Authority.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the Architecture Roadmap, defining the evolution from As-Is to To-Be architectures.
• Develop, update, and manage the Programme System Architecture, ensuring alignment across stakeholders and engineering domains.
• Capture, manage, and maintain authoritative Architecture Baselines within the designated repository, ensuring configuration control and technical coherence.
• Liaise with technical and non-technical stakeholders to communicate architectural intent, dependencies, and design decisions.
• Apply recognised architecture frameworks, modelling approaches, and systems engineering principles across all activities.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrable experience developing architecture baselines, including the management of system interfaces and interdependencies.
• Proven ability to use Use Cases to translate user needs into clear and understandable system functionality.
• Experience applying technical architecture processes in the development of complex systems.
• Knowledge of Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems.
• Strong experience with the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF).
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical detail for diverse stakeholders.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Proven experience of working in a Defence environment
• Understanding of Defence ways of working (e.g., KiD, GEAR).
• Experience with architecture tooling such as Sparx EA, BizzDesign (preferred).
• Familiarity with architecture modelling languages (e.g., ArchiMate – preferred, UML, SysML).
• Understanding of the full Systems Engineering life-cycle (e.g., INCOSE, ISO/IEC 15288).
• Experience in developing Service Architectures and solution-level architectural products.

Why Join Thorn SDS?

Thorn SDS is a trusted technical partner across Defence and Space sectors, offering a collaborative environment, supportive leadership, and opportunities to contribute to high-profile national programmes. This role provides long-term stability, professional development, and the chance to influence critical SATCOM capabilities.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Group Life Insurance
• Dental Cashback Plan
• Health Cashback Plan
• Well-being Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits)
• Thorn Well-being Support Contribution
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities

Apply

If you have the expertise to support this requirement and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today!

All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, National Security Clearance.

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