Lead Architect – Security by Design

Job Description:

Leonardo is a global industrial group, among the main global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security that realises multi-domain technological capabilities in Helicopters, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Electronics, Cyber Security and Space. With over 60,000 employees worldwide, the company has a solid industrial presence in Italy, the UK, Poland and the US. It also operates in 150 countries through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investments. A key player in major international strategic programmes, it is a technological and industrial partner of governments, defence administrations, institutions and companies.

Within the GCAP Joint Venture, in the GCAP Technical Leadership UO, we are looking for a Lead Architect – Security by Design for GCAP HQ in Reading (UK).

The Lead Architect – Security by Design is responsible for embedding security principles throughout the design and delivery of digital solutions, ensuring full adoption and compliance with Security by Design standards. The role is accountable for maintaining compliance across all phases of the system lifecycle and for establishing governance that enforces security requirements from concept through to operation.

As the focal point for Security by Design, the Lead Architect provides expert guidance and consultancy to Product Owners and Delivery Managers, ensuring that security considerations are integrated since the very beginning into achitectures, designs, and implementation plans of all the projects within the DE&D Value Stream. The role also conducts audits to verify adherence to Security by Design standards and identify areas for improvement, supporting programmes in achieving Interim Authority to Operate (IATO) and Authority to Operate (ATO) by mentoring and supporting secure designs aligned with enterprise guardrails, regulatory requirements, risk management frameworks and relevant procedures.

Through collaboration with stakeholders, the Lead Architect ensures that security controls, patterns, and practices are consistently applied, enabling resilient and trustworthy systems. The role drives continuous improvement in security architecture, promotes standardisation, and ensures that all solutions meet compliance obligations while supporting business objectives.

Key Capability Accountabilities and Objectives

Objectives

Security by Design Adoption & Lifecycle Management

• Accountable for the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of Security by Design principles across all digital solutions and architectures
• Provide specialized expertise in security architecture, supporting the integration of security controls and patterns throughout the system lifecycle
• Translate enterprise security policies and risk requirements into actionable design standards, compliance frameworks, and governance models
• Advise on best practices for secure design and development across engineering and delivery teams
• Support the development and deployment of processes, methodologies, and work instructions required to embed Security by Design, including integration points with other systems and enterprise capabilities
• Ensure security requirements are implemented on time, within scope, and aligned with agreed risk posture and compliance objectives
• Conduct security audits and assessments to verify adherence to standards and identify areas for improvement

Stakeholder Engagement & Consultancy

• Act as the focal point for Security by Design, providing expert consultancy to Product Owners, Delivery Managers, and engineering teams
• Capture, challenge, and consolidate security requirements to ensure consistency and avoid duplication
• Communicate security vision, compliance obligations, risks, and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Design and support business change initiatives to embed security culture, including defining and producing training and awareness materials
• Collaborate with other architects and delivery leads to ensure alignment of security principles across domains and supply chain

Governance, Standards & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to enterprise security standards and regulatory requirements
• Define and enforce security design patterns, data protection measures, and access control models
• Support regulatory, quality, and audit requirements related to security compliance and risk management

Delivery Execution & Operational Excellence

• Coordinate security by design activities across internal teams and suppliers, ensuring clear ownership and accountability
• Monitor compliance performance, risks, and dependencies, and drive remediation where required
• Support incident resolution, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement of security architecture
• Balance short-term delivery pressures with long-term security strategy and architectural integrity

Vendor & Technology Management

• Support relationships with key technology vendors and solution providers
• Contribute to technology evaluations, proofs of concept, and strategic selection of tools and platforms
• Drive innovation in security architecture and promote adoption of emerging technologies aligned with enterprise guardrails

Essential Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a similar role (at least 5 years) within defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated environments
• Professional certification in cybersecurity or security architecture (e.g., CISSP, CISM, SABSA, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of NIST cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST SP 800 series)
• Degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline
• Strong knowledge of Security by Design principles and secure architecture frameworks
• Experience supporting security compliance processes, including Interim Authority to Operate (IATO) and Authority to Operate (ATO)
• Service Management knowledge (e.g., ITIL)
• Project Management experience (e.g., APM, Prince2, or equivalent) or demonstrable experience managing security-related projects
• First-hand knowledge of relevant security technologies, standards, and risk management practices
• Proven experience delivering secure solutions in complex, integrated environments
• Strong understanding of engineering processes, data governance, and digital systems
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (engineering, IT, manufacturing, quality, cyber security)
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities while maintaining compliance objectives
• Strong delivery mindset with experience in waterfall, agile, or hybrid delivery models

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Security clearance or eligibility for clearance in defence programs is mandatory

Engagement, recognition of talent, and care for our people’s well-being and safety are the cornerstones of our corporate culture.

Every day, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and stimulating work environment, actively promoting the principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity.

What do we offer?

·         The applicable collective labour agreement is the Italian National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL) for the Private Metalworking Industry and Plant Installation Sector;

·         Hybrid working model;

·         Employment status: Executive-level employee;

·         Permanent contract with Italy as the base location;

·         The role includes a secondment of at least two years to Reading, the headquarters of the Joint Venture (JV);

·         13th-month salary;

·         Performance bonus linked to business results;

·         Annual welfare benefits worth €250;

·         Ongoing training and professional development opportunities, covering both technical and soft skills;

·         Well-being initiatives: we place great importance on the economic, physical, social, and psychological well-being of our people, offering solutions tailored to their needs.

The Company reserves the right to determine the employment grade and compensation package based on objective criteria identified during the selection process, taking into account the selected candidate’s seniority, experience, and the requirements of the role, in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities established by applicable laws and regulations.

How does the selection process work?

Following the application review process, the CVs that best match the required qualifications will be shortlisted.

Selected candidates will first take part in an introductory interview with the Human Resources team to assess motivation and soft skills, followed by a technical interview with the hiring team.

At the end of the selection process, all candidates will receive feedback, regardless of the outcome.

Seniority:

Senior

Primary Location:

IT - Roma - Via Laurentina

Additional Locations:

IT - Catania, IT - Chieti Scalo, IT - Genova - Fiumara, IT - Milano - Nerviano, IT - Torino - C.so Marche

Contract Type:

Permanent

Total Base Pay Range:

60-75k

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid