Software Engineer – National Security Domain
Overview of the Market
This is the time of year when the Defence Market shifts.
Contracts have been awarded, budgets are being reviewed, and teams are scaling — meaning new opportunities for those with the right clearance.
The clients we’re supporting are investing heavily in their National Security divisions, offering the chance to work on projects of the utmost importance in environments designed to keep you supported and fulfilled.
Demand for cleared talent continues to overmatch supply, so it’s never been a better time to assess your career options.
About the roles
We’re headhunting Software Engineers across a broad spectrum of languages/levels for several clients in the National Security ecosystem.
Roles range from agile delivery in secure mission programmes through to R&D for next-gen high-side platforms for the client in 'West' or 'North'
Locations are all across the typical NS Hubs in London, the South West and the North West.
We’re supporting opportunities from SFIA Level 3 (mid-level) through to SFIA Level 6 (Principal) — all hands-on roles
roles include:
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Full-Stack Software Engineering (Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, React and more)
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Embedded & Systems Engineering (C, C++)
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Software–Cyber Hybrid Skillsets (engineers blending software development with ethical hacking, reverse engineering, or exploit analysis)
Our Clients’ Value Proposition
We’ve deliberately chosen to only partner with the best employers in National Security
Depending on your preferences, we have offerings from large organisations with strong reputations and clear growth trajectories, to smaller specialist outfits that offer to get in at the ground floor of a closer-knit environment.
Whatever environment you thrive in, we can align you with the right opportunity.
What unites them all:
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Incremental uplift on your package (including cleared-engineer bonus)
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Streamlined interview processes for clarity and pacy decisions
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Relocation packages to Defence hubs (especially in the NorthWest)
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The chance to learn fast across multiple domains with rapid progression internally
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Maximum engagement in high-side projects, keeping you off the bench and on the mission
What They’re Looking For
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Active clearance to work in the National Security domain
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Engineers who thrive in collaborative, multi-domain teams
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Mission-focused mindset: commitment to outcomes, not just technology
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What They’re Not Looking For
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Narrow specialists unwilling to broaden their remit
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Contractors chasing short-term gains
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Remote-only candidates — these are on-site, mission-first roles
Next Steps
If you’re cleared and ready to explore your options, submit your CV here.
Or, connect with us on LinkedIn for a confidential discussion about your situation — we’ll share intel on the wider market and help you map out your next step in the National Security domain.
As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.
Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
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