Job Description
Job Title:  Solution Architect Specialist
Req ID:  60831
Job Function:  Security
Posting Start Date:  20/07/2026
Posting End Date:  10/08/2026
Division:  UK Business
Job Location:  GBR Cheltenham TE, GBR Ipswich - B42 Adastral Pk, GBR-London-BTHQ One Braham
Advertised Salary:  Competitive with great benefits

Recruiter: Lloyd Hughes
Closing Date: 10th August 2026

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.

Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses.   We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.
You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.

About the role

The Solution Architect Specialist independently executes a range of workstreams in delivering the overall solution architecture design and mapping of business requirements, as well as organises smooth project delivery empowering the implementation of functional solutions that are fit for purpose and delivered against stated business requirements.

In your role you’ll use your technical skills to design, develop, test, monitor and support the infrastructure that forms the foundations of our vital big data platform. You’ll be working on the whole platform stack, up from the bare metal up to customer facing applications. Automation and monitoring will be key requirements to effectively manage the fleet of servers. Joining an established project, you’ll be responsible for investigating and deploying best of breed technologies to support our cyber security analysts. You will be responsible for ensuring the platform is scalable and aligned with future business requirements (across both hardware and software), including capacity planning and the seamless expansion of system capabilities.

You will need to be eligible to obtain DV Security Clearance before starting this role. You will need to have lived in the UK for 10+ years to be eligible.

What you’ll be doing

•    Work with customers to understand their technical needs
•    Set the choices of software and hardware for our big data platform and data lake
•    Design, build and deploy core infrastructure ensuring the system is scalable and resilient
•    Ensure systems are automated, including system build and common maintenance functions
•    Ensure best practices are followed for system auditing, patching and updates.
•    Engage with and support users of the Platform
•    Identify and contribute to the improvement of inefficient ways of working
•    Work with junior team members to develop their skills and develop training plans
•    Actively contribute and engage in knowledge sharing activities

Essential Skills / Experience

•    Linux system administration
•    Knowledge of big data technologies and data lakes
•    Kubernetes system administration (setting up, configuring and maintaining clusters)
•    Kubernetes application development (Deploying applications, optimising application resilience & troubleshooting deployments)
•    Distributed storage (eg Ceph)
•    Developed and used Helm charts, used Infrastructure as Code tools such as Fleet
•    Used system monitoring tools such as CheckMK, Prometheus, Grafana or Loki
•    Build and deployed Docker containers
•    Automated system deployment using tools such as Ansible, Puppet or Chef

Desirable Skills / Experience

•    Familiar with the Big Data tech stacks, including: 
o    Trino
o    Spark 
o    Apache Hive
o    Apache Airflow
o    Zeppelin notebooks

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life.

You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

• 10% on target annual bonus

• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family

• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off

• Equalized maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay

• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband

• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us

• Holiday purchase scheme

You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.

Ready to connect for good and help shape the future? Apply now

#LI-Onsite

Security is one of the fastest growing parts of our global organisation. We are protecting our networks from more than 6,500 cyber attacks each day, investing over £40m in research each year - and in employing nearly 3,000 people, we’re also the largest private cyber employer in the UK.  With incredible opportunities to learn, develop and grow your skills, we’ll invest in you, nurture your potential and shape your future – whatever your background or experience. 
 
In today’s world, safe and secure digital connections have never been more vital. You’ll be joining a global company operating at the forefront of the information age: BT employs 90,000 people in 180 countries. With huge scale, we’re capable of achieving great things, striving to be personal, simple, and brilliant for our customers whilst creating an inclusive working environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed. Play your part. Make a difference. We are the Protectors.

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.