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Phil Cook - Senior Engineering Manager, Developing Solution Architect

I’m an Engineering Manager transitioning into Solution Architecture. This portfolio is my evidence base: case studies, architecture artefacts, certifications in progress, and repositories.

Introduction

⚠️ NOTE: THIS SITE IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AS OF 26/01/2026, SOME SECTIONS MAY BE LACKING AS I POPULATE/DEVELOP EVIDENCE ⚠️

Hi, I’m Phil. Thanks for visiting.

A little about me

I’m currently a Senior Engineering Manager at BAE Systems, with ~12 years across aerospace and defence (including maritime and land programmes). My background is rooted in manufacturing and delivery, with a wide base of senior-level experience across:

For more detail head to About, where I break down my roles, experience and the work that led me here.

Why Solution Architecture

I’m developing into Solution Architecture because it’s the natural extension of what I’ve been doing in practice for years: taking messy cross-functional problems and turning them into clear systems, decisions, and delivery paths that hold up under scrutiny.

SA lets me focus on what I enjoy most:
  • End-to-end design and trade-offs
  • Working across technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Security, safety, and governance as first-class constraints
  • Proving decisions with real artefacts, not just opinions
  • Developing efficiency, repeatability, scalability in a cost-conscious manner

Personal Interests

Outside work I’m usually building this portfolio, playing guitar/piano, or out hiking/running - often accompanied by two pugs.

Portfolio Overview

What I’m building right now

I’m building four core case studies as progressive architecture demonstrators (each chosen to grow my AWS capability through hands-on work). You’ll find them under Case Studies:

Learning & Validation

Alongside the builds, I’m working through formal learning and certification (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect - Associate). More detail can be found in About -> Solution Architecture.

Additionally, the main “Case Studies” page includes a portfolio grid, which contains a searchable set of cards demonstrating case studies and experience that I have completed through my professional career.

Where do I recommend you start?

Start with Case Studies -> pick one project -> review the architecture artefacts and repository.