Systems Architect Consultant

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.  

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. 

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. 

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.  

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. 

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life. 

• Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site.
• Travel to client site will be necessary as and when the client requires 
• This role can be based from our Bristol, London (Victoria) or Manchester office 
• Application deadline: ASAP 

Stuck in a rut, needing a new challenge? 

Our Systems Insights and Solutions team are looking for exceptional System Architects to partner with specialists from across the breadth of PA to turn complex, dynamic, and interconnected challenges into opportunity. You will be a Systems Architect with experience from one of the following sectors Defence and Security, Public Services, Transport, Energy and Utilities and more.    

You will tackle some of PA’s hardest problems by applying proven Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering, and System Thinking techniques to break down and solve complex problems which span organisations and disciplines (people, process, information, technology). 

Our success is driven by our capability to understand the problem and solution spaces, from business need to component design, drawing on a wealth of knowledge from our diverse team of talented consultants. We combine our knowledge on Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering, and Systems Thinking to be the go-to company for developing practical and innovative systems for complex real world strategic issues. 

Our Services range from: Decision & Planning Support, System of Systems & Enterprise Design, Complex Engineering Delivery and Systems Analysis & Resilience. Our deep expertise and collaborative approach ensure we drive impactful outcomes across all our engagements. 

Past projects have included: 

• Designing and procuring UK MOD’s future satellite communications services 
• Creating a new international collaboration to design and develop the next generation of fighter jets 
• Improving the resilience of the UK’s critical national infrastructure 

This role will include model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and tailoring and application of various architecture frameworks and tools. Examples of such application might include: 

• Optimisation of mixed technical-digital systems and Operational Technology across large scale platforms in Defence 
• Use of MBSE to articulate architecture and design 
• Implementation of organisational design methodologies to create new ways of working for our clients 
• Design of systems-based frameworks and governance models to improve capability procurement and management 
• Development of cutting-edge transport solutions which are shaped by the requirements of modern societies 
• Implementation of AI and machine learning to transform data analysis and engineering delivery 

• Proven experience in the application of Systems Architecture, Engineering, and Thinking mindset, tools and approaches, helping to resolve a range of complex and societally meaningful client challenges. 
• Strong analytical skills, and be able to apply more creative and abstract thinking to help develop ingenious solutions. 
• As a client facing role, you will be expected to engage and present to clients with strong verbal and written comms, able to highlight recommendations and insights. 
• Experience as a Systems Engineer or in a similar role, with a particular focus on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies 
• Experience using modelling and/or architecture industry standard tooling, frameworks and languages. This may include (but is not limited to): 
• Tools - Sparx EA, MooD, Archi, Capella, IBM Rational Rhapsody, NoMagic/MagicDraw 
• Frameworks – TOGAF, MODAF, Zachman, TRAK, Arcadia, NAF, DoDAF 
• Languages, UML - SysML, Archimate, BPMN 

Beneficial experience includes: 

• Experience working across an engineering enterprise at different stages of the systems engineering lifecycle 
• Demonstrated expertise in solution definition and design, particularly in defining system boundaries, identifying interdependencies across the wider ecosystem, and recognising key stakeholders. 
• Familiarity with open architecture 

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

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Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. 

Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. 

Find out more about Life at PA here. 

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits: 

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days 
• Generous company pension scheme 
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives 
• Annual performance-based bonus 
• PA share ownership 
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn) 

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. 

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]