Junior Security Architect – Defence - Contract

Junior Security Architect – DefenceContract: Initial contract Rate: Up to £500 per day Location: High Wycombe – two days onsite per week Working Pattern: Hybrid – three days working remotely Clearance: Active SC clearance requiredWe are looking for a Junior Security Architect / Security Consultant to support a major UK Defence digital programme developing cutting-edge AI and software applications for national security.Working within a Through Life Support function, you will help maintain and assure a portfolio of live applications. The role combines security architecture, risk management and compliance within an Agile DevSecOps environment.You will act as a first-line security SME, helping delivery teams embed security throughout the software development lifecycle and ensuring applications are delivered rapidly, responsibly and securely.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the implementation of Secure by Design principles across digital product teams.Maintain security cases and ensure assurance evidence remains accurate and current.Conduct continuous security risk assessments using recognised frameworks.Maintain product-level risk registers and track security remediation activities.Identify and escalate risks that fall outside agreed tolerances.Support the preparation of High-Level Designs, security governance documents and through-life management plans.Maintain Security Management Plans and supporting assurance artefacts.Help prepare a large portfolio of applications for security and architecture review boards.Support technical release-readiness assessments across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live phases.Contribute to Authority to Test, Interim Authority to Operate and Continuous Authority to Operate processes.Work closely with product owners, engineers, delivery leads, security assurers and accreditors.Support responsible AI governance in accordance with relevant Defence policies.Required Skills and ExperienceAt least three years’ experience within cyber security, information assurance or security architecture.Previous MOD or Defence experience.Active SC clearance.Strong understanding of security risk and compliance within government environments.Experience implementing or assessing Secure by Design principles.Knowledge of relevant MOD security policies and standards, including JSP 440, JSP 451 and JSP 453.Understanding of government security and assurance frameworks.Experience applying Cyber Assessment Framework principles.Knowledge of ISO 27001 and wider information security standards.Ability to produce and maintain security risk assessments, governance documents and assurance evidence.Strong organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines.Confident communication and stakeholder-management skills.Desirable ExperienceExperience working within Agile or DevSecOps software-development environments.Familiarity with the NIST Risk Management Framework.Experience using vulnerability and risk-management tools such as DefectDojo or Vigilant.Knowledge of GDS delivery phases and government accreditation processes.Exposure to AI security, responsible AI practices or JSP 936.Experience supporting complex Defence digital programmes.This opportunity would suit a Security Consultant, Security Analyst or Junior Security Architect looking to develop their architecture and assurance experience within a high-profile Defence environment.Reach out to [email removed]