Senior Platform Engineer (National Security)
Location: Cheltenham / Gloucester area
Hybrid: Flexible depending on programme
Salary: £75,000–£95,000+
Clearance: Active DV / eDV required
If you’re spending more time maintaining platforms than improving them, this could be worth a look.
I’m supporting a small, engineering-led National Security SME that’s built a strong reputation for doing things differently from the larger consultancies and primes.
The team is technically strong, low-ego and trusted to get on with the job. You’ll have real ownership, direct input into technical decisions and the freedom to improve how things are built rather than simply inherit someone else’s process.
What you’ll be working with
- AWS
- Kubernetes
- Terraform
- Docker
- Linux
- CI/CD
- Python / Bash
- Infrastructure as Code
- Monitoring, automation and platform reliability
The role sits firmly in Platform Engineering rather than traditional infrastructure support.
You’ll be building and evolving secure cloud platforms, improving deployment and automation, and working closely with Software and Cloud Engineers across live National Security programmes.
Why it’s worth a look
The strongest feedback I hear from engineers in environments like this is usually about the same things:
- More ownership
- Less red tape
- Better technical conversations
- Stronger team culture
- Modern tooling
- Progression without needing to move into management
It’s the kind of place where good engineers are trusted rather than micromanaged.
Clearance
Active DV or eDV clearance is required due to the nature of the live programmes.
If you’ve been wondering what life looks like outside the larger consultancies or primes, I’m happy to talk you through the role and give you an honest view of the wider market too.

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