Systems Engineer / Solutions Architect

To drive the evolution of Data Enablement and AI capabilities within the businesses and to our customers in order to increase growth in orders and increased customer satisfaction. This role will sit within the UK cortAIX Factory organisation in the UK supporting the design, development of AI technologies for use in the military and civilian ecosystems.

The Systems Engineer/ Solutions Architect will work with stakeholders, both leadership and subject matter experts, to define technology solutions that support an integrated approach to technologies supporting AI and data enablement. Supporting the Thales UK Digital and Data strategy the Systems Engineer/Solutions Architect will; test concepts, architect data solutions, implementation plans and help deliver continuous evolution of our capabilities.

The role will interact with other architects and engineers across the business working in Data and Digital: championing techniques for new or enhanced market offers; understanding the critical customer drivers; delivering Proofs of Concept and acting as a go-to individual that can connect internal/external stakeholders with the proposed solutions.

The role will be part of the Thales UK Data and Digital Competence Centre team to ensure that the technology strategy, human capabilities and opportunity pipeline is enabling the business strategy and growth. The role will connect with stakeholders across engineering, Thales UK and Group Digital Competence Centres.

Essential
In excess of 5 years' experience in the defence Industry in related architecture and data roles
Technical Pre-sales or Product Line Architect
Architecture methodology for complex systems
Strong Data and Application with underpinning Infrastructure solution development and undertaking a technical design authority role
Experience in designing/modelling current and target architecture for data solutions
Technical Documentation production to a high standard
Desirable
Governance of architecture or detailed designs throughout the project lifecycle
Previously undertaken solution development and implementation of a large scale Data projects

Skills

Technical
Logical Analysis of technical solutions and problem solving
Architecture design (Solution Modelling, Systems Integration, IT standards, System Behaviours etc)
Knowledge of business/technology ecosystems, such as: Aviation systems design, C2/C4ISR, Autonomous vehicles, Electronic warfare, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), SOA, APIs, open data, microservices, event-driven IT, predictive analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence
General IT Knowledge (applications, storage, networks, IT infrastructure, Infrastructure, service level agreements, Asset management etc)
Familiarity with information management practices, system development life cycle management, and EA/ITIL frameworks
Technical (security, transaction processing, user interface, data management, Operating Systems Services)
Ability to design innovative solutions whilst adhering to strong security constraints.
Experience of the latest technology trends and their application within Data - including but not limited to AI, machine learning containerisation, IOT, big data and cloud.

Interpersonal Skills
Ability to engage and influence a diverse set of stakeholders (Product Engineering Leaders, Customer, Design Authorities, Project Management, IS/IT)
Ability to work in complex multi-stakeholder environment to create clear and achievable goals.
Able to influence a wide range of people to get things done - needs to be highly effective in a matrix based organisation - a good team player.
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills - encourages an open environment where information and ideas are shared and innovative thinking is stimulated. Will be adept at effectively building stakeholder relationships and working collaboratively with customer, supplier and internal teams.
Capable of effectively engaging with technical staff, suppliers and stakeholders to define the best architectural design to achieve business/user objectives. Detailed technical expertise is not always essential, but the ability to understand and support technical discussion to conclusion with confidence is essential
Team player with a sharp intellect, challenging approach and a "can do attitude".
Experience of multi-stakeholder change management activities

Qualifications:

Essential
Degree/HND or an equivalent in a relevant Engineering/Data/IT subject
Desirable
TOGAF 9 or similar industry recognised Architecture certification
Vendor related technical competence qualifications (for example MCITP & VCP / CCSE & CCNP)
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In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that's why we offer you the flexibility to do what's important to you; whether that's part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions., At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.