iO Associates
Lead Security Architect
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Lead Security Architect (Defence DevSecOps / AI-ML)
Client: UK Defence
Role: Lead Security Architect
Location: Portsmouth (hybrid: 50% remote / 50% onsite)
Start: Approx. 24 Aug 2026
Contract end: 23 Nov 2026
Rate: £640-£700/day (Inside IR35) via FCSA-approved umbrella
Clearance / nationality: Active MOD SC required + Sole UK National
Overview (Mission)
You'll own the security architecture and assurance roadmap for AI/ML delivery across multi-cloud and edge environments. You'll ensure solutions align to UK Defence priorities and the client's IT/cloud strategy, enabling secure multinational collaboration and repeatable, high-assurance releases (including high-side promotion pathways). You will lead the Secure by Design approach end-to-end.
Key Responsibilities
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- Lead security architecture and delivery across multiple AI/ML trials and use cases
- Chair security working groups and support tri-nation collaboration
- Drive security visibility, outcomes, and senior stakeholder engagement
- Own threat and risk management, translating ambiguous requirements into stable controls
- Design classification-aware architectures: trust boundaries, data flows, and cross-domain guardrails
- Provide pragmatic security guidance for a complex programme (security as an enabler)
- Define and deliver the security roadmap across:
- DevSecOps operating model
- Policy-as-code and automated control enforcement
- Risk-based CI/CD gates and release assurance
- Govern supply chain security (artefact signing, SBOMs, provenance) using SLSA-style controls
- Improve delivery outcomes: reduced time-to-secure-release, reliable promotion checkpoints, efficient supplier onboarding, and clear exec-level risk reporting
- Mentor junior team members
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Experience & Qualifications (Essential)
- 5+ years in cyber security, including security architecture across multi-cloud/edge
- Defence experience and familiarity with UK security expectations / guidance
- Active MOD SC clearance and sole UK nationality
- Certifications: CISSP (or equivalent) and TOGAF (or equivalent architecture framework)
Key Attributes
- Adaptable, pragmatic, and positive-treats security as a business/mission enabler
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and building clarity through controls, assurance and stakeholder management
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