Cloud Architect Jobs

Design and optimise cloud infrastructure to support scalable, secure, and efficient applications. A critical role in driving digital transformation and innovation.

Open roles
31
Salary range
£60k – £130k
Hiring companies
12

Cloud Architects are the visionaries behind the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure. They work closely with development teams, stakeholders, and clients to create robust, scalable, and secure cloud solutions. In the UK, Cloud Architects are in high demand, particularly in tech hubs like London, Manchester, and Cambridge, where they are hired by scaleups, research-heavy startups, and the larger consultancies. Their work involves a deep understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, and they play a crucial role in driving digital transformation and innovation.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Cloud Architect

A typical week for a Cloud Architect is a mix of strategic planning, technical design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and optimise cloud infrastructure for scalability and security.
  2. 02
    Collaborate with development teams to integrate cloud services.
  3. 03
    Conduct architecture reviews and provide technical guidance.
  4. 04
    Monitor and improve cloud performance and cost efficiency.
  5. 05
    Stay updated with the latest cloud technologies and best practices.
Salary on the board

£60k – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 26 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
130
19 jobs
Lead
70
100
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 27 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

AWS
48%
AI
30%
Azure
30%
CI/CD
30%
HPC
26%
GPU
26%
Cloud Architecture
26%
Datacentre Design
22%
Networking
22%
Technical Presentations
19%
IAM
19%
Terraform
19%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for cloud architects. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Cloud Architect

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and implementation of cloud solutions, working under the guidance of senior architects.

  2. Level 2

    Cloud Architect

    3–5 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Cloud Architect

    6–8 yrs

    Oversee multiple cloud projects, provide strategic direction, and mentor junior architects.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Cloud Architect

    9+ yrs

    Drive the overall cloud strategy, influence organisational direction, and lead a team of cloud architects.

Pathway

How to become a Cloud Architect

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn cloud fundamentals

    Start with foundational courses and certifications in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

  2. 2

    Gain practical experience

    Work on cloud projects, either in a junior role or through personal projects, to build hands-on skills.

  3. 3

    Specialise in cloud architecture

    Focus on advanced cloud architecture concepts, such as design patterns, security, and cost optimisation.

  4. 4

    Lead cloud projects

    Take on leadership roles in cloud projects, guiding teams and ensuring successful delivery.

  5. 5

    Influence cloud strategy

    Shape the cloud strategy for your organisation, providing strategic direction and thought leadership.

  6. 6

    Mentor and train others

    Share your expertise by mentoring junior architects and contributing to the broader cloud community.

Live jobs

31 live roles

See all 31 roles

Cloud Architect

This role involves designing secure, scalable cloud solutions across AWS and Azure within a government digital environment. The architect will lead technical strategy, guide multidisciplinary teams, and ensure alignment with security and resilience standards. It focuses on future-facing cloud design rather than legacy migration, with strong emphasis on governance, innovation, and cross-platform integration.

Inspire People Cardiff, Cymru / Wales, CF10 2AF, United Kingdom £67,867 – £85,413 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Cloud Architect

This role involves designing secure, scalable cloud architectures on AWS and Azure within a government digital environment. The architect will lead technical design, governance, and innovation across cloud platforms, working closely with security, delivery, and architecture teams to ensure resilient, future-focused services. Emphasis is on shaping strategy, mentoring peers, and advancing cloud standards in a hybrid-working, public-sector context.

Inspire People Sw1A2Et, SW1A 2ET, United Kingdom £71,590 – £85,413 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Cloud Architect- eDV Cleared

Design and implement cloud-native solutions on AWS for high-impact national security projects. Work with open-source technologies, microservices, and structured architecture frameworks in a secure environment. Lead technical design and collaborate with stakeholders on mission-critical systems.

Searchability NS&D Cheltenham, United Kingdom £60,000 – £115,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Cloud Architect- eDV Cleared

This role involves designing and delivering cloud-native solutions on AWS for high-impact national security projects. The Cloud Architect will lead technical architecture decisions, work with open-source technologies and microservices, and apply structured frameworks like TOGAF or SAFe. The position requires hands-on expertise in DevOps, containerisation, and Infrastructure as Code within a secure, mission-critical environment.

Searchability NS&D Manchester, United Kingdom £60,000 – £115,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

This role involves designing and implementing end-to-end cloud architectures, leading the development of cloud standards, and driving infrastructure modernisation. You will work closely with engineering, security, and platform teams to deliver robust and future-proof solutions, while also supporting the migration of on-premise workloads to the cloud and optimising cloud performance and cost.

Zachary Daniels Liverpool, United Kingdom £70,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Cloud Native Architect

As a Cloud Native Architect, you will shape the architecture of cloud-native SaaS products, working closely with product, engineering, platform, security, and data teams. Your role involves translating business requirements into technical designs and guiding engineering squads through delivery, with a focus on scalability, automation, and security.

Lawrence Harvey Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

This role involves designing and implementing cloud architectures across compute, storage, networking, and identity, while leading the development of cloud standards and governance frameworks. You will work closely with engineering, security, and platform teams to drive infrastructure modernization and support the migration of on-premise workloads to the cloud, ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-optimized environments.

Zachary Daniels Recruitment Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom £70,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

AWS Cloud Platform Architect

This role involves owning and evolving the architecture, maturity, and roadmap of AWS cloud platforms, aligned with broader digital strategy. You'll define and maintain cloud reference architectures, lead legacy-to-cloud migrations, and act as a senior technical authority, engaging with engineers, architects, and executives. The role offers high visibility and genuine ownership in a critical transformation programme, blending strategic platform architecture with hands-on technical leadership.

Sanderson Bristol, United Kingdom £90,000 – £120,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in computer science or a related field is beneficial, along with relevant certifications and practical experience.

  • Key skills include cloud platform expertise, system design, security, cost optimisation, and strong communication and leadership abilities.

  • The typical progression is from Junior Cloud Architect to Cloud Architect, Senior Cloud Architect, and finally Principal Cloud Architect.

  • Salaries vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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