Principal Architect

We believe in better. And we make it happen.

Better content. Better products. And better careers.

Working in Tech, Product or Data at Sky is about building the next and the new. From broadband to broadcast, streaming to mobile, SkyQ to Sky Glass, we never stand still. We optimise and innovate.

We turn big ideas into the products, content and services millions of people love.

And we do it all right here at Sky.

What you'll do

• Strategic Architecture Leadership: Define and drive the long-term architectural vision for end-to-end broadcast and media systems, from content ingest to playout and distribution, ensuring alignment with business goals and technology strategy.
   
• Technology Transformation: Lead the enterprise-wide transition from SDI-based infrastructure to IP-based, cloud-native architectures using automation and AI technologies. Champion innovation while ensuring operational continuity.
   
• Governance & Standards: Establish and enforce architectural standards, design principles, and best practices that promote automation, scalability, security, and high availability across broadcast operations.
   
• Cross-Functional Influence: Collaborate with senior stakeholders across engineering, operations, product, and business teams to ensure architectural decisions support both technical excellence and business outcomes.
   
• Innovation & Industry Leadership: Stay at the forefront of industry trends in cloud broadcasting, media orchestration, and AI-driven automation. Evaluate emerging technologies and guide their adoption to enhance agility and cost-efficiency.
   
• Design Authority & Quality Oversight: Serve as the ultimate design authority, ensuring all solutions are robust, secure, and future-proof. Lead architectural reviews and mentor teams in delivering high-quality, resilient systems.
   
• People Leadership & Development: Manage and grow a team of solution architects and technical leads. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support career development through coaching, training, and performance assessments.
   
• Organizational Impact: Act as a thought leader and trusted advisor, influencing technology strategy at the enterprise level and representing architecture in executive forums.
   

What you'll bring

• Degree in Broadcast Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience.
   
• Extensive experience delivering complex, large-scale broadcast and cloudintegrated systems, with a deep understanding of IP-based media workflows and playout systems.
   
• Proven expertise in public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), infrastructure as code, CI/CD, and serverless computing.
   
• Strong foundation in software engineering practices, including version control, automated testing, and continuous delivery.
   
• Demonstrated ability to lead architectural transformation initiatives across multiple teams and domains.
   
• Experience managing and mentoring technical professionals, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
   
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Team overview
 

We support the technology and deliver change through innovate projects to support the Live Production and Live content delivery for News, Sports & Entertainment in MCR, Playout and Distribution technology areas across the Sky Group in UK, Italy and Germany. We are an international team working with our customers and our partners in operations to build solutions to meet the needs of the most effective and innovative productions for our customers.
 

The rewards
 

There's one thing people can't stop talking about when it comes to #LifeAtSky: the perks. Here’s a taster:

• Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one place
• The magic of Sky Glass at an exclusive rate
• A generous pension package
• Private healthcare
• Discounted mobile and broadband
• A wide range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences
   

Inclusion & how you'll work
 

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all, and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.

We’ve embraced hybrid working and split our time between unique office spaces and the convenience of working from home. You’ll find out more about what hybrid working looks like for your role later on in the recruitment process.
 

Your office space:
 

Our Osterley Campus is a 10-minute walk from Syon Lane train station. Or you can hop on one of our free shuttle buses that run to and from Osterley, Gunnersbury, Ealing Broadway and South Ealing tube stations. There’s also plenty of bike shelters and showers.

On campus, you’ll find 13 subsidised restaurants, cafes, and a Waitrose. You can keep in shape at our subsidised gym, catch the latest shows and movies at our cinema, get your car washed and even get pampered at our beauty salon.
 

Inventive, forward-thinking minds come together to work in Tech, Product and Data at Sky. It’s a place where you can explore what if, how far, and what next.

But better doesn’t stop at what we do, it’s how we do it, too. We embrace each other’s differences. We support our community and contribute to a sustainable future for our business and the planet.

If you believe in better, we’ll back you all the way.

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.