Description
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Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 11th January 2026
- Location:
- MOD Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9NR.
- Salary: £61,630
- Reference number: 441295
The MOD's digital teams ensure we remain among the most technologically advanced Armed Forces in the world. We develop and lead in cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity solutions to protect the UK and its interests, at home and abroad. Our mission also goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving innovation that impacts lives across the globe.
Watch our video to see what we do at Defence Digital!
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
As a technical leader within Core Information Services, you will shape and oversee network solutions critical to Defence’s digital capabilities. You’ll play a key role in advancing the Next Generation Communications Network (NGCN) Programme—a major Government project—and you’ll drive the design and delivery of a secure, modern enterprise network that connects sensors, effectors, and decision-makers across military and business domains. NGCN is a cornerstone of the Digital Backbone for Defence, and your expertise will be key to achieving the Digital Strategy for Defence
You’ll provide technical direction through governance forums and serve as the primary escalation point for complex challenges. Your remit spans the full spectrum of network technologies, including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, data centres, software-defined networks, telephony, mobile solutions, unified communications, and management platforms—alongside robust security and remote access across all classifications, supporting global Operations.
Responsibilities
- Serve as subject matter expert for network architects across the team
- Accountable for the NGCN network designs and architectures
- Champion new technologies and innovative solutions in support of the Digital Backbone
- Act as point of escalation for complex network challenges and technical issues
- Communicate complex network concepts effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Coach and mentor network architects
Person specification
You will have proven expertise as a subject matter expert in network architecture, with the ability to represent the function internally and externally with partners and suppliers.
Your strong background in technical design will be instrumental when coaching and mentoring network architects, championing innovative technologies and solutions, and ensuring adherence to architectural standards and best practices.
Success in this role requires exceptional communication skills to simplify complex network concepts for both technical and non-technical stakeholders, along with strategic thinking to align network architecture with organisational objectives and integrate emerging technologies.
When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience that align with the requirements of this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a statement of suitability (max. 1250 words) demonstrating the essential criteria listed below.
Essential Criteria
- Demonstratable understanding of governance and assurance frameworks.
- Proven capability in Network infrastructure, highlighting your ability to lead teams in design, implementation, administration and support of infrastructure solutions and services.
- Comprehensive understanding of all network technologies.
- Strategic thinking abilities with proven track record of aligning technical solutions with business objectives
Dependent on Business need there may be a requirement to travel to meetings within the UK (or potentially occasional overseas visits).
If not already held, successful candidates will be required to undergo DV clearance.
Please note this position is open to sole UK Nationals only.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical Understanding (Network Architect)
- Governance and Assurance
- IT Infrastructure (Network Architect)
- Systems Design
Benefits
- This post is eligible for a Digital Skills Allowance of up to £15,300 per annum. Eligibility for this allowance will be assessed at interview against 4 core technical skills only and reviewed annually in line with MOD policy.
- Flexible working options- we understand the importance of adapting work to your life.
- Inclusion and diversity- our culture celebrates uniqueness and encourages collaboration of diverse thought.
- Generous annual leave- starting with 25 days and growing to 30 after just 5 years.
- Pension contribution: 28.97%
- Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to volunteer for military or emergency service reserve commitments.
- Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
- You can read more here- Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Professional Framework Statement
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing. Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.
Learning & Development
We have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing:
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- Professional skills development
- Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning
- Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD
Hybrid Working
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. Some roles will involve regular travel within the UK to various Defence and partner sites. In addition, certain positions will require office attendance at least 3 days per week. Please note that travel across all listed sites and other Defence and partner locations within the UK will be a regular requirement. There may also be occasional opportunities or requirements for overseas travel.
Defence is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Defence Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with personnel and Trade Unions.
Please Note:
- The post does not offer relocation expenses.
- External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
- Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
- Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
To apply, please upload your CV in the relevant section on the Civil Service Jobs dashboard, ensuring it clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. You must also submit a statement of suitability (maximum 1,250 words) providing evidence of how you meet these criteria.
Please make sure your application clearly outlines your relevant experience, referencing the key skills and capabilities listed in the job advert.
Here is a link to a video offering helpful tips and guidance on the Civil Service Jobs application process: Watch: How to apply on CS Jobs: Guide and Tips
Interview
If you are invited for an interview, it will be held on-site at MOD Corsham, and we’ll assess you against these Behaviours and Technical Skills during the interview process:
Presentation
You will be asked to prepare and deliver a 5-minute (max) presentation on a role-related subject. You will be contacted with further details prior to interview.
Behaviours
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical Skills
- Technical Understanding (Network Architect)
- Governance and Assurance
- IT Infrastructure (Network Architect)
- Systems Design
Further information on the role of a Lead Network Architect in a Government Department can be found here: Network architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for interviews or assessments.
Further information:
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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