Technical Architect / Security Clearance / SC Cleared / Eligible for SC / Contract / Outside IR35 / Milton Keynes / £615 A highly experienced Technical Architect is required for an initial 6 month contract to work closely with the CTO to oversee designs and review modern technology solutions that align with the organisation’s strategic goals. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise and the ability to lead complex projects and technical teams in a collaborative setting. Essential Experience: Subject Matter Expertise in networking and infrastructure technologies. This includes VMware Networking and Security Virtualisation (NSX-T), Cisco; Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), Aggregation Services Routers (ASR) Routers, Catalyst, and Nexus Switches, Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Panorama (Firewall Management), Public Cloud Networking - Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cross Domain Solutions and High-Grade (IP) Assurance Hardware. In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, technologies, and standards, including TCP/IP, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VPN, SD-WAN, and DNS. Experienced in automating network provisioning, with a strong background in streamlining these processes for enhanced efficiency and reliability. Excellent people skills and an ability to explain and understand technical complexity. Enterprise Architect experience and being confident in the development and use of suitable architectural standards (including but not limited to TOGAF). Lead the automation of platforms, products, and services, enabling workflows to enhance efficiency. Experience creating technical and architectural documents such as options assessments, low and high-level technical designs. DevSecOps experience in automation and improvement in development and release processes (Continuous Integration & Continuous Delivery). Experience of requirements management and the ownership of requirements. Substantial experience of server/operating system and network technologies, as a minimum Hybrid Cloud, Gateways, PKI, Email, VMware virtualisation platforms (including VCD, VSAN, and NSX), SASE architecture, Cisco, and Palo Alto. Experience in design and migration to public cloud capabilities in M365, Microsoft Azure, and AWS. Working knowledge of auditing and security products configuration. A comprehensive understanding of NCSC, GDS, CIS, Cyber Essentials, and NIST IT security principles, along with experience in UK government technology strategies and policies. Desirable (in no priority order) Worked in a matrix organisation structure. Infrastructure as a Code (IaC), Containerisation, and Microservices. Qualified in TOGAF, Zachman, MCSE, VCP, CNNP, or ITIL Expert Leader/Master. If you feel you are a suitable fit for this role, please send your CV to (url removed)