Technology.

Java Developer | eDV ClearedJoin a small engineering-led team delivering secure software and data capabilities into some of the UK's most sensitive National Security environments.You'll design and develop Java-based backend services, APIs and distributed systems that support mission-critical applications, operational platforms and large-scale data processing. Working across modern microservices architectures, you'll contribute to technical design, secure software delivery, automation and system reliability.Tech Stack: Java 11+, Spring Boot, Microservices, REST APIs, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD and DevSecOps practices.This role offers broader technical exposure, greater ownership and closer collaboration than is often found within larger delivery organisations. You'll work alongside multidisciplinary teams solving complex engineering challenges across secure, high-side environments.We're looking for: Strong Java backend development experienceMicroservices and distributed systems expertiseKnowledge of software architecture and secure developmentExperience working within modern DevSecOps environments Location: Gloucester, London or Manchester (4 days onsite)Clearance: Current Enhanced DV requiredAs 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.

Solution ArchitectSalary: £100,000 - £125,000 + DV BonusLocation: London / CheltenhamClearance: eDV clearance requiredOverviewWe are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to drive the design and implementation of innovative digital services within the UK public sector. This role focuses on leveraging modern open-source technologies within Agile and DevOps environments to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities below outline the core expectations for the role. These can be refined in collaboration with the successful candidate during the interview process:-    Engage with senior stakeholders across organisations to identify and promote opportunities for digital transformation -    Develop strong client relationships to uncover new business opportunities -    Provide guidance and support to multiple delivery teams, applying best practices and emerging technologies -    Mentor and inspire other architects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives -    Take ownership of governance processes, addressing complex or high-risk challenges and producing robust architectural designs -    Work across a range of projects and clients simultaneously -    Present solution options clearly to senior stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making -    Collaborate with internal teams to share expertise and continuously improve ways of working Technical Expertise:You should have strong commercial experience across several of the following areas:-    Solution and technical architecture design -    Open-source technologies -    Cloud platforms (preferably AWS) -    Security principles and best practices -    Identity and access management (e.g. OAuth, Cognito, OIDC) -    Containerisation and orchestration tools (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes) -    DevOps / DevSecOps practices and tooling -    Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, or PythonAs 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.

Protocol Analyst / Software DeveloperLocation: RomseyRate: Excellent day rateIR35: Inside IR35Clearance: Active transferable UK*C DV clearance requiredThe OpportunityThis is the kind of role that tends to appeal to engineers and analysts who enjoy operating close to difficult technical problems inside genuinely secure operational environments.The work sits within high-side National Security programmes where teams support complex communications, protocol and software capability across sensitive operational systems. Engineers here are typically trusted with broad technical ownership and are given the space to contribute across analysis, development and wider engineering discussions rather than being confined to narrowly defined delivery functions.What often attracts people to these environments is the level of technical exposure and the collaborative nature of the teams. The structure is relatively flat and engineering-led, with close interaction between developers, analysts, technical leadership and operational stakeholders. There is strong emphasis on problem-solving, technical curiosity and delivering capability that has direct operational relevance.The environment suits people who enjoy understanding systems deeply, working through challenging technical detail and contributing across all compass points of secure delivery. For engineers who prefer technically grounded cultures over heavily process-driven environments, it offers meaningful work, long-term programme exposure and the opportunity to work alongside experienced teams operating across the National Security space.The RoleYou'll be joining a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for supporting protocol analysis, software development and wider technical capability within secure National Security programmes.The role combines analytical problem-solving with hands-on software engineering, making it well suited to somebody comfortable moving between investigation, development and collaborative technical delivery activities.Teams work closely together onsite within secure environments, contributing across the full engineering lifecycle from technical analysis and solution design through to implementation, testing and ongoing capability support.- Supporting protocol analysis and software development activities across secure operational systems and communications environments.- Contributing to the design, development and maintenance of bespoke software capability within high-side programmes.- Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to investigate technical challenges and support operational problem-solving.- Producing secure, maintainable code and contributing to collaborative engineering practices across delivery teams.- Assisting with technical investigations, system analysis and the interpretation of complex protocol or data behaviour.- Supporting detailed technical documentation, knowledge sharing and collaborative engineering discussions.- Participating in agile delivery activities and contributing to technical planning, refinement and wider programme delivery.- Working onsite within secure customer environments alongside engineers, analysts and operational stakeholders.The team is less interested in rigid role boundaries and more focused on people who are technically curious, adaptable and comfortable contributing across wider engineering challenges.Strong communicators tend to do well because engineers are trusted with visibility, technical ownership and close collaboration across secure multidisciplinary teams. It is a strong fit for people who enjoy technically demanding work, operational relevance and engineering cultures where problem-solving is valued over process.Security RequirementsCandidates must hold active transferable UK*C DV clearance and be willing to undergo BPSS prior to starting. 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.

Full Stack Developer Location:  Gloucester / Customer Site Rate:  Excellent day rate IR35: Inside IR35 Clearance: Active UK*C DV clearance required   The Opportunity This is the kind of environment that tends to attract engineers who want to stay close to meaningful technical work without becoming constrained by heavily layered delivery structures or narrow ownership boundaries. The work sits within high-side National Security programmes where software capability directly supports operational users, data-intensive systems and secure analytical platforms. Teams work closely with customers inside secure environments, giving engineers far greater visibility of how systems are used and where technical improvements genuinely matter. What often appeals to engineers in these environments is the combination of autonomy, technical ownership and broader exposure. Rather than being restricted to a narrow area of delivery, engineers are typically involved across design discussions, sprint shaping, implementation and ongoing platform evolution. Teams are relatively lean, collaborative and engineering-led, with strong interaction between developers, technical leads and operational stakeholders. The programmes themselves span secure data movement, analytics capability and modernisation work across large-scale operational platforms. For engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems, influencing delivery direction and working across all compass points of secure software delivery, it offers the kind of project exposure that is often difficult to find within larger programme structures. The Role You'll be joining an agile delivery team responsible for building and evolving secure full stack software capability within operational National Security environments. The role  combines hands-on software engineering with technical collaboration across the wider scrum team, making it well suited to somebody comfortable contributing to both implementation and delivery direction within technically complex programmes. Alongside development work, you'll help shape sprint delivery, support story decomposition and contribute to technical discussions around architecture, scalability and engineering approaches. - Developing secure, maintainable software using Java, Python and associated backend technologies within high-side operational systems. - Supporting big data and analytics-focused platforms, including data ingestion, processing and secure data movement capability - Contributing to the decomposition of epics and user stories alongside technical leads and agile delivery teams. - Writing clean, reusable code using test-driven engineering practices and modern software delivery approaches. - Producing detailed technical designs and maintaining existing architectural components across operational platforms. - Working with emerging technologies, analytics tooling and scalable engineering patterns within secure delivery environments. - Supporting AWS-based infrastructure and platform capability where required across cloud-enabled programmes. - Participating in agile ceremonies, including stand-ups, sprint planning, demos and collaborative technical discussions across multidisciplinary teams The environment suits engineers who are comfortable taking ownership, working collaboratively and contributing beyond narrow development tasks. It is less about rigid stack alignment and more about people who can adapt, solve problems pragmatically and operate effectively within technically demanding environments. Strong communicators tend to do well because engineers are trusted to engage closely with delivery teams, technical leadership and operational stakeholders. It is a strong fit for developers who enjoy broader technical exposure, collaborative engineering cultures and meaningful delivery work inside the National Security space. Security Requirements Candidates must hold active UK*C DV clearance and be willing to undergo BPSS prior to starting.   As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Ana

Platform Engineer (National Security) Location: Opportunities available across Gloucestershire, Manchester and London Hybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programme Salary: £40,000 – £80,000 plus bonus and benefits, depending on experience and SFIA grading Clearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred The Opportunity You will be joining a growing engineering consultancy delivering secure software and platform capability into highly classified National Security and Defence environments.The organisation has built a strong reputation for combining modern engineering practices with a genuinely collaborative and engineering-led culture. Teams remain intentionally small, giving engineers broader technical exposure, closer collaboration with leadership and far greater influence over delivery than is typical within larger defence primes.Many engineers join from larger organisations looking for less process-heavy delivery structures, broader project exposure and the opportunity to work more closely with both customers and engineering teams.The environment particularly appeals to engineers who enjoy working alongside smart, pragmatic people solving difficult problems collaboratively rather than operating inside narrow technical silos.As the organisation continues expanding capability across both West and North sites, there is a strong focus on maintaining engineering quality, community and reputation as the teams grow.There are also increasingly clear opportunities to progress into architecture and leadership roles as the business continues to scale. The Role As a Platform Engineer you will help design, build and operate the infrastructure and tooling that underpins secure software delivery across a range of National Security programmes.You will work closely with software engineers, architects and operational stakeholders to improve automation, scalability, operational resilience and secure delivery practices across cloud and containerised environments.Typical responsibilities include:• Building and maintaining secure infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform and Ansible • Deploying and operating containerised platforms using Docker and Kubernetes • Supporting cloud-native platform delivery across AWS and Azure environments • Designing and improving CI/CD pipelines and modern software delivery workflows • Implementing observability and monitoring using tooling such as Grafana, Elastic Stack and cloud-native monitoring platforms • Supporting platform reliability, operational resilience and secure delivery practices across engineering teams • Contributing to modernisation programmes involving secure data environments and legacy platform transformation • Collaborating directly with multidisciplinary teams and customers to evolve platform standards, tooling and automation approachesThe teams tend to value pragmatic engineers who can communicate well, work closely with stakeholders and balance technical quality with real-world operational constraints.The organisation places far more emphasis on engineering mindset, adaptability and collaborative delivery than on matching a rigid checklist of technologies.These roles are particularly well suited to engineers who enjoy broad technical exposure and operating across cloud infrastructure, automation and secure software delivery rather than specialising in a single narrow technology area. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, active UK*C DV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and willing to travel to secure customer sites where required. Benefits • 10% clearance bonus • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays • Buy or sell up to 5 days leave per year • 8% employer pension contribution • Private healthcare • Life assurance • EV car scheme via salary sacrifice • EMI share scheme • Flexible working and flexi-time • Dedicated training allowance and individual development plansAs 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.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer LocationGloucester or Romsey Hybrid: Flexible hybrid working across secure sites, client environments and home workingSalary: Competitive salary aligned to experience and SFIA levelClearance: SC eligible with willingness to undergo higher levels of UK vettingThe OpportunityThis is the kind of environment that tends to attract embedded engineers who want to stay close to meaningful technical work while avoiding heavily layered delivery structures and narrow project ownership.The work sits across the UK National Security and Defence ecosystem, supporting operational systems within Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), RF communications, sensing and wider EW capability. Projects range from low-TRL R&D and urgent operational requirements through to long-term product development inside high-side environments where engineering judgement and technical quality genuinely matter.The RoleYou'll be joining a team responsible for designing and developing embedded real-time software across advanced National Security and Defence platforms focused on RPNT, RF communications and operational sensing systems.The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership responsibilities, making it well suited to experienced engineers who still enjoy low-level problem solving while helping shape wider engineering direction, delivery approaches and technical decision-making.Teams work collaboratively across software, systems, FPGA and hardware disciplines, so the role suits engineers who are comfortable contributing across the wider engineering lifecycle rather than remaining inside narrowly defined ownership areas. Designing and developing embedded real-time software systems using C and C++ across RF, sensing and RPNT platforms.Supporting software delivery from early-stage R&D and rapid prototyping through to full operational deployment, integration and verification.Implementing bespoke signal processing and control functionality across secure communication and sensing systems.Working with DSP algorithms and modelling techniques using MATLAB and Python for simulation, analysis and algorithm development. Developing software for modern SoC devices, SDR platforms and open-source frameworks including OpenCPI.Collaborating closely with FPGA, hardware and systems engineering teams during integration, testing and customer acceptance activities.Supporting modern software engineering and DevOps practices across integration, deployment and collaborative development workflows.Contributing to technical leadership activities including design reviews, customer engagement and engineering decision-making across programmes. The team is less interested in rigid checklist matching and more focused on adaptable engineers who are comfortable moving between technologies, engaging with multidisciplinary teams and contributing beyond pure implementation work.Strong communicators tend to do well here because engineers are trusted with visibility, ownership and influence. It suits people who enjoy understanding how systems fit together operationally, contributing ideas early and working in environments where engineering autonomy is genuinely valued.Security RequirementsCandidates must be eligible for SC clearance and willing to undergo higher levels of UK National Security vetting where required. Due to the nature of the work, applicants should typically be British citizens who have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. 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.

 Software EngineerThe OpportunityThis is the kind of environment that attracts engineers who want to stay close to meaningful technical work without disappearing into heavily layered delivery structures.The organisation operates across the UK National Security and Defence ecosystem, delivering operational capability within RF communications, sensing and secure technology programmes. The work combines long-term product engineering with R&D-style problem solving, often within high-side environments where technical quality and engineering judgement carry real weight.Teams are typically smaller and flatter than larger primes, giving engineers broader project exposure, more ownership and greater influence over technical direction. Software engineers work closely with systems specialists, DSP engineers and programme leadership rather than operating inside narrow delivery silos.The environment suits engineers who enjoy variety and multidisciplinary collaboration. Depending on the programme, the work can span embedded Linux, DSP implementation, modern UI engineering, DevOps tooling and wider software modernisation initiatives. The RoleYou'll be joining an agile software team responsible for developing and evolving software across RF communications and sensor-based products used within operational National Security and Defence environments.The role sits close to both product engineering and technical decision-making, with engineers contributing across design, implementation, testing and ongoing capability development. Depending on your background and interests, the work can flex toward embedded software, modern UI engineering or wider platform and tooling development. Teams work collaboratively with Product Owners, System Design Authorities and multidisciplinary engineering groups, so the role suits people who are comfortable contributing technically while also engaging in broader engineering discussions and trade-off decisions. Designing and implementing software components for sensing and communication systems using C++, C# and Python.Supporting product development across the full engineering lifecycle from early R&D concepts through to operational delivery and testing.Contributing to modern software architecture approaches within Agile delivery environments using Scrum and Kanban methodologies. Implementing scientific and DSP-focused functionality, including algorithm integration within operational systems.Developing embedded Linux software including cross-compilation, deployment activities and low-level system tooling.Building and improving CI/CD workflows using GitLab pipelines, Docker and modern DevOps engineering practices.Working collaboratively within Git-based engineering environments using GitLab, Git and VS Code tooling.Supporting modern UI development and user-facing operational software where programmes require frontend capability  This environment tends to suit engineers who enjoy breadth as much as depth. The team is less focused on finding somebody who perfectly matches a single stack, and more interested in people who are technically curious, adaptable and comfortable working across disciplines when needed.Strong communicators generally do well here because engineers are trusted to contribute beyond pure implementation. That could mean influencing technical direction, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams or helping shape how products evolve over time.It is also a strong fit for engineers who prefer engineering autonomy and collaborative technical cultures over highly siloed delivery environments.Security RequirementsActive SC clearance preferred. Candidates must be eligible and willing to undergo higher levels of UK National Security vetting where required.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.

Full Stack Software EngineerLocation: Gloucestershire, Woking and RomseyHybrid: Hybrid working across secure sites and collaborative engineering environmentsSalary: Competitive salary aligned to experience and clearance levelClearance: Active UK*C DV clearance required The OpportunityThis is the kind of environment that tends to attract engineers who want to stay close to meaningful technical work without becoming constrained by heavily layered delivery structures or narrow ownership boundaries.The work sits across the UK National Security and Intelligence ecosystem, supporting operational systems used within highly secure, high-side environments where reliability, adaptability and engineering quality matter. Programmes are long-term and mission-focused, but teams still retain the flexibility and engineering autonomy typically associated with smaller, engineering-led organisations.What often appeals to experienced engineers is the level of exposure. Rather than being isolated to a single layer of the stack or a tightly defined delivery function, engineers here tend to work closely with users, technical leadership and multidisciplinary teams across the wider software lifecycle. There is genuine opportunity to influence how systems evolve, contribute ideas early and build a broader understanding of operational capability.The culture is collaborative, low-ego and technically grounded. Teams value pragmatic engineering, modern software practices and people who are comfortable solving problems collectively rather than simply delivering against tickets. For engineers who enjoy ownership, project variety and working across all compass points of secure delivery, it is the kind of environment that can offer strong long-term development without losing technical depth.The RoleYou'll be joining an agile engineering team responsible for designing, building and improving secure software systems used within operational National Security environments.The role combines hands-on full stack engineering with close collaboration across users, engineers and stakeholders, making it well suited to somebody who enjoys solving technical problems while understanding the wider operational context behind the systems they are building.Teams work iteratively and collaboratively, with engineers contributing throughout the delivery lifecycle from early design discussions through to implementation, testing and ongoing improvement of live capability. Developing secure, maintainable software using Java and Spring Boot across scalable backend services and APIs.Building frontend functionality using modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue.js or Angular.Supporting API integration, data ingestion pipelines and backend services used within secure operational systems. Writing tested, reliable code using modern engineering approaches including TDD and automated testing frameworks.Translating technical designs and logical system requirements into working software solutions within agile delivery teams.Contributing to the evolution of existing architecture, RESTful services and scalable platform components.Collaborating with engineers, user researchers and stakeholders to better understand operational challenges and user requirements.Participating in agile ceremonies, including planning, refinement sessions, retrospectives and technical discussions across multidisciplinary teams The team is less interested in rigid checklist matching and more focused on adaptable engineers who enjoy learning, collaborating and contributing across the wider engineering lifecycle.Strong communicators tend to do well here because engineers are trusted with visibility, ownership and influence. It suits people who enjoy understanding user problems, contributing to technical direction and working in environments where engineering quality carries genuine weight.Security RequirementsDue to the nature of the work, active eDV/ UK*C DV clearance is required.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.

We are recruiting a Security Controller on behalf of a leading UK software consultancy with a growing portfolio of work across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and national security agencies. The organisation is establishing a secure facility to support classified client programmes and requires a dedicated security professional to lead this critical function. Security Controller Salary - £60,000-£85,000 + bonus Location - Cheltenham Clearance - eDV Clearance Required  As Security Controller you will be the primary authority on all physical and personnel security matters, acting as the bridge between the business, the MOD, and other secure government contracting authorities. The Role Appointed Security Controller responsible to the Board for all physical and personnel security matters. Manage classified assets, access control, and IVCO-compliant visitor protocols. Prepare for and lead MOD DE&S audits; maintain Security Risk Management and Company Security Instructions. Oversee the full UKSV clearance lifecycle, conduct security briefings, and manage insider risk. Primary liaison with government security authorities; lead breach investigation and reporting to ISAC. Advise senior leadership on security implications of new contracts and structural changes. Align physical security with IT security (ISO 27001 / Cyber Essentials Plus) and support bid teams. Essential Requirements Proven Security Controller or Deputy experience in a UK Defence / National Security List X environment. Strong knowledge of the Security Policy Framework (SPF) and List X requirements (FSA/iv). Active eDV clearance. Meticulous record-keeping across musters, visitor logs, and classified document registers. Desirable DSIA / SyI membership or equivalent IVCO liaison experience for overseas visits and classified exchanges. Experience standing up a new List X facility from scratch. 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.

We're looking for a commercially driven Product Manager to take ownership of our clients consumer platform and play a key role in scaling growth.This is a high-impact, high-ownership role where you'll shape the product experience for over a million users - driving acquisition, improving customer journeys, and enabling network expansion.If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love building products that deliver measurable results, this is your chance to make a real impact.What You'll Be Doing Define and deliver a product roadmap aligned to growth and commercial goalsIdentify opportunities across acquisition, activation, retention, and conversionBuild scalable product foundations for continued expansionWork closely with Engineering to ship improvements across app and webDefine user journeys, stories, and requirementsDesign intuitive, frictionless user experiencesLead cross-functional projects to increase user growth and engagementSet clear success metrics and deliver measurable outcomesUse customer feedback and data to inform decisions What We're Looking For 5+ years' experience in digital product managementProven experience working with Engineering teams in agile environmentsStrong experience defining user journeys and product requirementsBackground in consumer apps, SaaS, or digital platformsExcellent analytical, prioritisation, and stakeholder management skillsCommercial mindset with a focus on outcomes 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.

We’re supporting a number of highly regarded SME and engineering-led consultancies operating across the UK National Security ecosystem, helping them grow their DevOps and platform engineering capability. DevOps Engineer (National Security) Location: Opportunities available across all compass pointsHybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programmeSalary: £60,000 – £90,000 depending on experience and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred The Opportunity These organisations sit in an interesting space between the large primes and smaller niche operators. They combine modern engineering practices, collaborative culture and broad technical exposure with the opportunity to work on genuinely complex secure programmes. Many of the engineers we place into these environments are coming from larger organisations where delivery has become overly process-heavy or where technical ownership is limited. In contrast, the teams we support tend to offer flatter structures, closer collaboration with engineering leadership and far greater visibility across the full delivery lifecycle. The work typically spans cloud transformation, secure platform engineering and modern software delivery across a range of National Security and secure Government programmes. For engineers looking for broader project exposure, stronger progression opportunities and the chance to have more influence over how platforms are built and evolved, these environments can offer a very different experience to more traditional consultancy structures. The Role As a DevOps Engineer you will help design, build and evolve secure cloud platforms and delivery environments supporting complex engineering programmes. You will work closely with software engineers, architects and stakeholders to improve automation, scalability, reliability and secure delivery practices across a variety of systems and environments. Typical responsibilities include: • Designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Jenkins or similar tooling• Automating infrastructure provisioning using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code approaches• Deploying and managing containerised workloads using Docker and Kubernetes• Supporting secure cloud platform delivery across AWS-based environments• Developing automation and operational tooling using Python or Bash scripting• Applying monitoring and observability practices using tools such as Prometheus and Grafana• Supporting secure software delivery practices across cloud transformation and platform modernisation programmes• Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to improve reliability, scalability and operational performance The exact environment varies across programmes, but the common thread is modern engineering culture and exposure to a broad range of technologies and delivery challenges. These roles are particularly well suited to engineers who enjoy operating across cloud infrastructure, automation and software delivery, rather than specialising in a single narrow platform or technology area. The organisations we support place far more emphasis on adaptability, engineering mindset and collaborative behaviours than on matching every technology exactly. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, active DV / eDV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and eligible to work within secure National Security environments. 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.

You will be joining a long-established technology business with deep roots in geospatial and data capability, now rapidly expanding its National Security footprint across cloud, analytics and modern data platforms. Data Engineer (National Security) Location: Hybrid working across West and Manchester National Security hubsHybrid: Secure-site working required (hybrid pattern)Salary: £70,000 – £120,000 plus bonus and benefits, depending on experience and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred   The Opportunity Over the last few years the organisation has grown significantly through investment, programme wins and increasing demand across secure Government and National Security environments. Their National Security capability is now scaling quickly, with major long-term programmes already secured and further growth planned across both the West and Manchester regions. What makes the environment particularly interesting is the combination of heritage and modernisation. The business has decades of expertise in geospatial and operational data, but is now evolving heavily into cloud-native data engineering, analytics and AI-enabled capability. This creates an environment where engineers can work across a broad range of modern data challenges while still operating inside a specialist engineering culture rather than a large, process-heavy prime. For engineers currently looking for stronger technical exposure, greater influence or the opportunity to help shape a growing capability, this is an opportunity to join at a genuinely exciting stage of growth. The Role As a Data Engineer you will help design, build and evolve secure data platforms and pipelines supporting complex National Security programmes. You will work across cloud-native environments, helping customers modernise how they ingest, process and exploit operational data at scale. Typical responsibilities include: • Designing and developing scalable data pipelines and ETL frameworks using Python-based processing• Building cloud-native data platforms using AWS services and modern distributed architectures• Supporting streaming and real-time data environments using technologies such as Kafka and modern event-driven systems• Working across structured and unstructured datasets to support analytics and operational decision-making• Designing and maintaining data models, schemas and storage architectures across relational and NoSQL environments• Supporting integration and transformation of geospatial, operational and analytics data sources• Collaborating with engineers, architects and stakeholders to shape secure data platform evolution• Contributing to modern engineering practices across automation, testing and platform reliability The environment combines elements of cloud engineering, analytics, geospatial capability and AI-enabled systems, giving engineers broad exposure across multiple disciplines rather than confining them to a narrow platform or product area. The organisation values engineers who are adaptable, collaborative and comfortable engaging with both technical teams and stakeholders. Strong engineering fundamentals and curiosity are considered more important than matching every technology exactly. This role is particularly well suited to engineers who want to combine modern cloud and data engineering practices with meaningful real-world application inside secure environments. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, active DV / eDV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and eligible to work within secure National Security environments. 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.

Data Engineers & Architects (DV / eDV Cleared) Location: Opportunities available across all compass pointsHybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programmeSalary: Competitive depending on experience, clearance and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred The Opportunity We work with a carefully selected group of engineering-led organisations operating across the UK National Security ecosystem, ranging from specialist SMEs through to R&D-focused technology businesses delivering complex cloud, AI and data capability into secure environments. The common thread across all of them is strong engineering culture, modern technology environments and a focus on building teams where people are trusted to do meaningful work. Many of the engineers we speak to are not actively applying for jobs, but are curious about what else exists outside of the more traditional prime or consultancy environments... This open application is designed for Data Engineers and Data Architects who want a discreet conversation about the market, the types of organisations currently hiring and the environments where engineering quality is genuinely prioritised. The work across our network typically spans areas such as: • Cloud-native data platforms• Distributed and streaming data systems• AI / ML-enabled capability• Geospatial and operational data platforms• Secure analytics environments• High-assurance systems and modern digital transformation programmes The organisations we support range from long-standing National Security engineering businesses through to fast-growing specialist SMEs with strong reputations across the ecosystem. Many offer environments that feel very different to the larger consultancies or primes, with flatter structures, closer-knit engineering teams and greater technical ownership. Typical Technology Environments The exact stack varies across clients and programmes, but we regularly work with teams using technologies such as: • Python and modern data processing frameworks• Apache Spark, Kafka and streaming architectures• AWS cloud and cloud-native data services• Kubernetes and containerised platforms• ETL and orchestration tooling such as NiFi• Relational and NoSQL database technologies• AI / ML engineering tooling and modern analytics platforms• Geospatial and operational data systems Some opportunities are heavily engineering-focused, others lean more towards architecture, technical leadership or customer-facing design work. What matters most across the market is usually not a perfect stack match, but strong engineering fundamentals, adaptability and the ability to work effectively with both technical teams and stakeholders. Who This Is For We’re interested in speaking with: • Data Engineers working across pipelines, platforms or analytics systems• Data Architects designing scalable cloud and data platforms• Engineers working within AI / ML, geospatial or operational data environments• People operating in secure environments who want visibility into broader market opportunities• Engineers and architects who value strong culture, technical autonomy and modern engineering practices You do not need to be actively looking to have a conversation. In many cases, the most valuable discussions simply help engineers benchmark their current environment, understand where the market is moving and gain access to opportunities that are rarely advertised publicly. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the environments we support, most opportunities require active DV or eDV clearance, or eligibility to progress through higher levels of UK vetting. 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.

Be part of a growing and highly trusted supplier into the National Security domain, delivering mission-critical solutions that help keep the nation safe, secure and prosperous. Embedded Engineer - National Security Working on leading-edge technology solutions including Embedded Systems, RF, DSP, FPGA, AI/DS, Cyber, Cloud and Platform Engineering. We have secured long-term programmes of work across the full technology spectrum with key customers, providing the foundation for continued growth and development within this domain. Role We are seeking skilled Embedded Engineers to strengthen our delivery capability within the National Security sector. The role will support the development and integration of high-performance embedded systems, SDR platforms and FPGA-based solutions, delivering mission-critical capability into secure customer environments. These are hands-on technical roles requiring strong embedded software engineering experience, an understanding of low-level systems, and experience operating within secure National Security or MOD environments. Primary Job Purpose Design, develop and optimise embedded software for mission-critical RF and signal processing systems Integrate software onto FPGA-based and embedded hardware platforms Support system architecture, trade studies and technical design decisions Ensure robust, scalable and maintainable embedded implementations Key Responsibilities Engineering & Development Develop embedded software in C/C++ for Linux and RTOS environments Support integration across embedded hardware, FPGA and SDR platforms Work on low-level interfaces, drivers and hardware/software integration Conduct trade-off analysis across performance, latency and resource utilisation Support testing, debugging and optimisation within secure lab and customer environments Delivery & Customer Engagement Work closely with Delivery Managers and technical leads to transition solutions from concept through to deployed capability Operate directly within customer-facing secure environments where required Maintain strong technical credibility with National Security stakeholders Highlight technical risks, dependencies and resourcing requirements early Where you'll work Gloucester You'll find our Gloucester site within easy reach of the M5 and close to a strong National Security and Defence customer community. Based on the edge of the Cotswolds, the location offers a balance of cutting-edge technical work and access to great outdoor space and local amenities. 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.

Join our growing team and help strengthen the UK's safety and resilience. Full Stack Software Lead - National Security We're a leading technology and engineering company supporting customers across National Security, Defence and Intelligence, delivering systems that operate in the most demanding and sensitive environments. As a Full Stack Software Lead, you'll deliver mission critical solutions for National Security customers - building products that protect people, platforms, missions and information against evolving threats. You'll help customers use data to improve mission outcomes, lead teams hands-on, and mentor others while working at the forefront of innovation. What you'll be doing: You'll lead a team delivering valuable increments across back-end technologies. Partner with engineering and customer technical leaders to shape the roadmap. Turn user needs into epics/stories and define effective ways of working. Build secure, maintainable software using test-driven practices. Select suitable patterns across established and emerging technologies. Convert designs into working implementations and document to required standards. Develop and maintain APIs, UI components and data pipelines within existing data infrastructure. Lead and contribute to agile ceremonies (stand-ups, refinement, planning, demos). Keep the team aligned on upcoming features, impacts, and user needs. What you'll bring (or Required Skills / Qualifications): Back-end: Java (Spring Boot) and/or Go. Front-end: React or Vue.js. Testing: JUnit/Jest/Cypress (or equivalent). Tooling: GitLab/Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, GitLab CI/Argo CD/Jenkins, Jira/Confluence. Experience leading agile teams (Scrum Master training desirable). Use of AI tools to support development (e.g., IDE assistants, chatbots, agentic workflows). Able to learn new technologies quickly. Why Join Us: You'll work with smart, supportive people on projects that genuinely matter, in an environment that values technical excellence, collaboration and continuous learning. We invest in your growth, value diverse thinking and offer flexible working alongside a strong benefits package (including 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays). You'll be part of a business combining deep technical expertise with the agility to make a real impact. Location: Based in Gloucester and customer sites for high-side integration/deployment. Limited hybrid working may be possible, subject to project needs and may vary between assignments. Clearance: Valid eDV clearance is required for this post. 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.

Back End Software DeveloperWe are looking for experienced backend software engineering contractors to join active and upcoming project delivery teams across multiple domains. Projects cover a wide variety of technologies, commonly drawing on modern frameworks and platforms. Project teams employ agile practices such as Scrum, Kanban and SAFe to manage their work.Projects typically make extensive use of automated testing and DevOps practices, with customers increasingly deploying production code into containerised public and private cloud systems.You will: Design, develop and engineer software and products for customers across secure environments. Produce creative and innovative solutions to customer problems. Integrate and develop against open source components and frameworks. Understand and apply new and emerging technologies. Key TechnologiesYou will use a range of technologies - some you may be familiar with already, while others you will learn to support specific projects. These technologies include: Java Enterprise (Spring Boot) and supporting backend frameworks. Python. SQL and NoSQL database systems. Linux-based operating systems - Ubuntu, CentOS/RHEL, Android, etc. Message brokering, serialisation and queuing systems. Microservices, containers and hosts. Infrastructure as Code - Vagrant, Ansible, Terraform, Helm. AWS and Azure Cloud. Git and version control systems. OpenShift / Kubernetes. Location:Gloucester - minimum 3 days per week on customer site.Clearance:Must already hold UKIC DV clearance (preferably West).Day Rate:Up to £850 per day to the agency (not the individual).IR35:Inside IR35.Duration:Through to 31/03/2026 with high probability of extension.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.

Freelance opportunity for an experienced AI and Fintech Trainer to deliver classroom-based programmes to finance professionals in London AI & Fintech Trainer (Financial Services) | London | £500–£600/day | Freelance  You'll be working with a globally recognised financial training provider, delivering across a curriculum that sits right at the intersection of banking and emerging technology. These aren't generic AI courses, the audiences are senior professionals from institutions like central banks, investment banks, and global financial services firms. You'll need to hold the room. The role: Delivering classroom-based training across AI, digital banking, and fintech topics to finance professionals Facilitating programmes covering areas such as Generative AI for investment banking, AI strategy, blockchain and crypto, data analytics, and digital banking transformation Engaging senior banking and finance audiences with real technical and commercial credibility Contributing to bespoke in-house programme delivery tailored to individual client organisations We're looking for: A strong background in AI, fintech, or digital banking — practitioner experience in financial services is a significant advantage Confident classroom facilitator with experience delivering to senior, high-expectation audiences Subject matter expertise across one or more of: GenAI/LLMs, blockchain, data analytics, AI strategy, or digital banking A relevant training qualification is desirable but not essential Apply now or contact aidan.peart@forwardrole.com Forward Role Recruitment is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy. 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.

Freelance opportunity for an experienced Sales Trainer to deliver classroom-based programmes to finance professionals in London. Sales Trainer (Financial Services) | London | £500/day | Freelance You'll be working with a globally recognised financial training provider, delivering across sales and relationship management topics to banking and financial services audiences. If you know your way around a trading floor as well as a training room, this one's worth a look. The role: Delivering classroom-based sales and relationship management training to finance professionals Facilitating programmes covering topics including client acquisition, consultative selling, negotiation, and relationship development in financial services Engaging senior and experienced banking/finance audiences with credibility and authority Adapting delivery style to suit varied learner groups across the financial services sector We're looking for: A proven background in sales training delivery — ideally within banking, capital markets, or financial services First-hand experience working in or alongside financial services (practitioner background a strong plus) Confident classroom facilitator comfortable with senior, high-expectation audiences A relevant training or coaching qualification is desirable but not essential Apply now or contact aidan.peart@forwardrole.com 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.

We are looking for a talented and inquisitive Security Research Engineer to join our clients growing team in Hampshire.  Cyber Security Research EngineerSalary - £45,000 - £85,000 + bonusClearance - eDV cleared or eligible to achieve this clearance levelLocation - Hampshire - Hybrid working  This is a hands-on technical role for someone who thrives on solving hard problems, enjoys experimentation, and wants to see their research translate into real-world impact.You'll work across the full research lifecycle, from threat intelligence and vulnerability analysis through to prototyping and delivery, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on challenges that matter. Role duties Research emerging cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques in depthDesign and develop novel security tools, solutions, and prototypesConduct vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across a range of platformsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to transition research outputs into real-world capabilitiesContribute to technical reports, whitepapers, and customer-facing deliverablesStay ahead of the latest security developments and share insights across the wider team  Skills/Experience Essential Strong background in cyber security, computer science, or a related technical disciplineHands-on experience in one or more of: reverse engineering, exploit development, malware analysis, or secure software developmentProficiency in at least one systems or scripting language (e.g. C/C++, Python, or similar)Solid understanding of operating systems internals, networking, and system architectureSharp analytical mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving Nice to Have Experience with embedded systems, mobile platforms, or cloud securityKnowledge of cryptography or secure communications protocolsFamiliarity with vulnerability research tooling and frameworksPrevious experience working in a research, R&D, or innovation environment  If you're passionate about cyber security research and want to work on problems at the frontier of the field, we'd love to hear from you. 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.

A leading institutional digital asset market maker is hiring an Exchange Trading Quant Developer to build and optimise the core systems behind its global trading infrastructure. Exchange Trading Quant Developer London | Hybrid | Digital Assets | Low-Latency Trading This is a hands-on engineering role focused on real-time trading systems, exchange connectivity, and low-latency performance. You’ll work closely with traders and quant teams to improve execution quality, build scalable infrastructure, and ensure trading systems perform under serious market pressure, the kind where milliseconds quietly decide everything. If you enjoy building high-performance systems and solving complex distributed engineering problems in fast-moving markets, this sits right in that sweet spot between quant, trading, and hardcore backend engineering. What you’ll be doing Building and optimising exchange trading and execution systems Improving latency, performance, and reliability across the trading stack Developing backend services for real-time market data and order flow Working closely with traders and quants on systematic strategies and tooling Supporting and enhancing production trading infrastructure What they’re looking for Strong experience in Java, Python, and/or Rust Background in trading systems, HFT, market making, or electronic trading Solid understanding of distributed systems and low-latency design Comfortable working in Linux and production environments Strong engineering fundamentals and problem-solving ability #Quant #Rust #Java #Python #LowLatency #HFT #Crypto #TradingSystems #DistributedSystems 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.

 An established on-site infrastructure engineering team in Gloucester is looking for an experienced Infrastructure Engineer to provide hands-on support across mission critical, highly secure government environments. Infrastructure Engineer Gloucester - Hybrid Salary - £55,000 - £70,000 + DV bonus Clearance - DV / eDV Clearance Required Role Details You'll manage complex on-premises platforms - resolving incidents, implementing changes, and driving continuous improvement to ensure availability, resilience and compliance at the highest classification levels. This is a rare opportunity to work on genuinely impactful national security programmes in a cleared, fast-paced operational environment, embedded directly with an end customer team. Responsibilities - Own incident resolution, change implementation and scheduled maintenance across secure, mission critical environments - Implement approved technical changes on behalf of end customers, following strict change management and compliance processes - Identify and deliver platform improvements, including automation to reduce manual effort and human error - Proactively monitor the environment to detect and address issues before they impact service - Support the Technical Lead with escalation management, risk tracking and active oversight of the environment - Contribute to stakeholder management, service reporting and review meetings with the service delivery function and customer teams - Produce clear, accurate documentation to ITIL4 standards - Collaborate with DevOps and software engineering teams to support containerised and service-oriented workloads   Technical Skills You will ideally come skills in some or all the below; - VMware Suite: ESXi, vCenter, NSX / VCF - Windows System Administration: AD, DNS, DHCP, PKI - Linux System Administration - Backup & Recovery: Veeam or similar - Containers: Docker and/or Kubernetes - Monitoring: Nagios or equivalent - Networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls - Cyber Security awareness and principles   Experience & Attributes - Proven experience in IT infrastructure operations in complex, regulated environments, ideally national security, defence or intelligence - Comfortable with strict change control, audit and compliance in a high-assurance, classified setting - Familiarity with ITIL4 and how to apply it in agile/DevOps environments - Able to support software development teams across microservices, containerisation and CI/CD - Strong communication skills, able to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels - Self-motivated with a proactive mindset 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.

We are working with a leading consultancy who are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join their team on a high-profile government programme. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a large, complex software delivery project and play a key role in driving outcomes across Central Government and Defence. Senior Project Manager -  National Security & Defence Location: Cheltenham, Gloucester (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearanceSalary - £75,000 -£90,000 + excellent benefitsThe RoleAs a Senior Project Manager, you'll be responsible for ensuring successful project delivery from end to end. You'll lead teams, manage stakeholders, and adapt delivery methods to fit the needs of fast-moving and high-impact technology projects.Key responsibilities include: Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and budgets.Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and turn them into delivery plans.Provide project planning and support on activities including bids and proposalsManage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolutionManaging customer and partner relationships, acting as a key point of engagement.Applying agile and scaled agile practices, alongside traditional project management methods.Providing strong leadership and direction to delivery teams. Essential experience: Background in delivering software-based projects within government agencies or similar organisations.Extensive experience in managing projects that range from conceptual research through to sub-system development, delivery, and support of programmes up to £5m.Strong understanding of agile principles and hands-on experience with agile ceremonies.Previous experience of working within multi-disciplined projectsExcellent stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.Commercial awareness across budgets, risk management, and forecasting.Ability to build, lead, and motivate high-performing delivery teams.You will ideally hold a recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM. Due to the nature of the client's work, you are required to hold a high level of security clearance.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.

DV Cleared Engineers (Open Application) Location: UK-wide (hybrid + high-side work) Salary: £70,000 – £130,000+ + bonus + DV incentives + benefits If you hold active eDV clearance and are open to exploring what’s out there, it’s worth having a conversation.We work closely with a range of Defence and National Security organisations across the UK, including consultancies, SMEs, and product-led teams. Many of the opportunities we support aren’t advertised and are often shaped around the individual rather than a fixed brief. What’s different about approaching the market this way? You’re not applying into a single role.Instead, we map out where you’ll actually be a strong fit across multiple teams, based on: The type of work you want to be doingYour preferred environment (SME, consultancy, product)Level of client exposure and high-side workShort and longer-term progression goals In many cases, roles are adjusted or created to align with the right profile. Typical opportunities we support Most of the teams we work with are hiring across: DevOps / Platform EngineeringDevSecOps / Secure CloudData Engineering / Machine LearningSoftware Engineering (various stacks)Technical Delivery / Architecture Across a mix of environments, from agile SMEs to established delivery partners. Typical tech environments Varies by team, but commonly includes: AWS / AzureKubernetes / containerised platformsInfrastructure as Code (Terraform, etc.)CI/CD pipelines and secure delivery toolingModern software and data stacks What we’re looking for Active eDV clearanceStrong background in engineering, data, or technical deliveryExperience working in secure or high-assurance environmentsOpen to discussing new opportunities (even if just exploratory) Why it’s worth a conversation Access to opportunities that aren’t on the open marketHonest insight into different teams, cultures, and delivery environmentsSupport in navigating offers, progression, and long-term positioningRoles typically offering competitive base salaries (£70k–£130k+)Additional DV bonuses, company bonus, and full benefits If you’re not actively looking but open to understanding what’s out there, that’s usually the best time to have a conversation.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.

Our client, a leading organisation within the national security sector, is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to play a key role across the Systems Development Lifecycle. This is a unique opportunity to work on highly impactful, mission-critical programmes that contribute directly to national security outcomes.You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything they do.Systems EngineerSalary: £90,000 - £100,000 + DV BonusClearance Required: eDVLocation: Cheltenham (Hybrid Working)What You'll Be Doing Driving Systems Engineering activities across the full V Lifecycle Providing architectural oversight, ensuring robust integration and test strategies Championing engineering best practices and process rigour to improve quality and delivery Applying systems thinking to shape and influence complex customer challenges Supporting delivery across a range of methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-assurance solutions  Your Skills & Experience Strong understanding of the V Lifecycle Proven experience in architectural design oversight, integration, and testing Ability to implement engineering governance and improve quality standards Systems thinking mindset with the ability to solve complex problems Experience across multiple delivery methodologies Exposure to diverse client domains and relevant standards Key Requirements Ability to manage and influence multiple, challenging stakeholders Confidence engaging with C-suite, business, and technical audiences Strong working knowledge of ISO 15288 and IEC 61508 Experience within high-security or safety-critical environments  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.

We're seeking an experienced Senior Product Manager to help a secure government department design and deliver user-centred, high-impact digital products. This is a unique opportunity to shape services of national importance, where your insight and leadership will directly influence how critical systems evolve to better meet user needs.   Senior Product Manager - Secure Government Projects (DV Cleared) Salary: £75,000 - £90,000 + package Location: London, Cheltenham or Manchester - Hybrid    Clearance: DV / eDV Clearance required The Opportunity The organisation is looking for someone who isn't afraid to challenge assumptions, bring fresh thinking, and inspire teams to deliver meaningful change. You'll have the autonomy to define your approach, backed by talented multidisciplinary teams skilled in agile delivery, research, design, and engineering. What You'll Do As Senior Product Manager, you will: Lead one or more multidisciplinary Agile teams to identify problems, co-design solutions, and deliver products that balance user needs, organisational goals, and long-term sustainability. Develop and maintain product roadmaps, setting clear vision, strategy, and priorities. Oversee delivery across the full product lifecycle - from Discovery through Alpha, Beta, and Live. Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and product owners, influencing strategy and outcomes. Make evidence-based decisions using user research and performance data. Mentor and coach others to raise product management capability across the organisation. About You You'll be an accomplished Product Manager with a strong track record of delivering user-focused services in complex environments. Essential skills and experience: Proven expertise in Agile product management and delivery within cross-functional teams. Experience defining and managing product roadmaps and minimum viable products (MVPs). Ability to lead teams through the full product lifecycle - Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live. Strong user research and analysis skills; able to translate insight into actionable improvements. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence and negotiate at senior levels. Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal - with the ability to simplify complexity. Must hold DV Clearance (Developed Vetting) due to the nature of the work.  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.

Agile Project Manager - Delivery Lead - Central Government & Defence Projects Location - Cheltenham - Hybrid Salary - £75,000 -£100,000 + excellent benefits  Clearance - eDV clearance required We are working with a leading consultancy who are looking for an experienced Agile PM and Delivery Lead to join their team on a high-profile government programme. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a large, complex software delivery project and play a key role in driving outcomes across Central Government and Defence. The Role As Agile Delivery Lead, you'll be responsible for ensuring successful project delivery from end to end. You'll lead teams, manage stakeholders, and adapt delivery methods to fit the needs of fast-moving and high-impact technology projects. Key responsibilities include: Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and budgets. Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and turn them into delivery plans. Provide project planning and support on activities including bids and proposals Manage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolution Managing customer and partner relationships, acting as a key point of engagement. Applying agile and scaled agile practices, alongside traditional project management methods. Providing strong leadership and direction to delivery teams. Essential experience: Background in delivering software-based projects within government agencies or similar organisations. Extensive experience in managing projects that range from conceptual research through to sub-system development, delivery, and support of programmes up to £5m. Strong understanding of agile principles and hands-on experience with agile ceremonies. Previous experience of working within multi-disciplined projects Excellent stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills. Commercial awareness across budgets, risk management, and forecasting. Ability to build, lead, and motivate high-performing delivery teams. You will ideally hold a recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM. Due to the nature of the client's work, you are required to hold a high level of security clearance. 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.

Cyber and Information Assurance Security Consultants Salary: £50,000 - £85,000 + bonusLocation: Cheltenham, Gloucester (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearance Join a Leading Consultancy Driving National Security InnovationFR Secure is partnering with a rapidly expanding consultancy that delivers cutting-edge cyber and information assurance solutions for high-security government and industry clients. We're looking for multiple Cyber Security & Information Assurance Consultants to support long-term, mission-critical programmes in the National Security sector. Your RoleAs a Cyber Security & Information Assurance Consultant, you will: Deliver expert security advice for BAU, technical refresh, and new project initiatives.Implement and improve governance models aligned with client business needs.Identify cyber risks and propose risk-based mitigation strategies.Conduct compliance assessments across systems and processes to evaluate cyber and information assurance posture.Develop, refine, or review security policies and procedures to align with corporate and regulatory standards.Build strong relationships with clients and internal teams to enhance the value of Cyber Security & Information Assurance services delivered.  What You BringWe're looking for people who can make a real impact. You should have: Proven experience in Cyber Security & Information Assurance within Defence or UK Government environments.Strong understanding of risk management frameworks Familiarity with government and defence security standards such as: HMG/NCSC IA Policies and GuidelinesJSP440 and other MoD IA standardsCyber EssentialsNIST, NIS-D You will ideally hold CISM / CISSP or similar higher level recognised and current Information Security or Assurance certificationExcellent stakeholder communication skills - you can clearly explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Security ClearanceDue to the highly sensitive nature of the work, all applicants must hold valid eDV clearance. Ready to advance your career in national security?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.

Infrastructure EngineerSalary: £40,000 - £55,000 plus a strong benefits packageSecurity Clearance: SC clearance required (with eligibility for DV)Location - CheltenhamRole OverviewWe're seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join an ambitious technology function supporting secure, mission‑critical environments for well‑known clients. This position offers a broad technical scope, working across on‑premise, cloud, and hybrid platforms while helping to evolve infrastructure through automation, modern tooling, and best practice.You'll be hands‑on, technically curious, and comfortable collaborating with DevOps and security specialists to improve resilience, performance, and scalability across the estate.Key Responsibilities Design, deploy, and maintain physical and virtual server environmentsAdminister cloud and hybrid platforms using AWS, Azure, and/or GCPSupport and troubleshoot enterprise networking technologies including firewalls, VPNs, routing, switching, and load balancingManage identity, access control, and authentication services in line with security standardsCreate and maintain scripts and automation to streamline infrastructure operationsImplement and support monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions to enhance system reliabilityMaintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilitiesInvestigate and resolve infrastructure incidents, performing root cause analysis where requiredWork closely with DevOps, cyber security, and application teams on ongoing improvements and project delivery Skills & Experience At least 2 years' experience in an Infrastructure, Systems, or Platform Engineering roleStrong administration skills across Windows and/or Linux environmentsPractical experience with virtualisation technologies such as VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVMSolid understanding of networking fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and VLANsScripting ability using tools like PowerShell, Bash, or PythonHands‑on experience with cloud services, particularly AWS and/or AzureExposure to monitoring and observability platforms such as Splunk, Datadog, or NagiosGood understanding of infrastructure security concepts and best practicesExperience using Infrastructure as Code and automation tools (e.g. Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation)Familiarity with enterprise storage and backup solutions, including SAN/NAS technologies 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.

Software Engineers - multiple opportunitiesLocation: Hampshire / hybridSalary: £60,000 - £75,000Job Type: Permanent / Full-timeSecurity Clearance - You will ideally hold an active SC clearance or be willing to go through the clearance process.We are recruiting several Software Engineers to join a high-performing engineering team developing advanced software solutions for products in the RF communications and sensor systems domain.This role offers the opportunity to work across the full software development lifecycle, contributing to the design, implementation, and verification of complex, mission-critical systems within an agile environment. Depending on your background and interests, the position can focus on modern user interface development or embedded software engineering.Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Software Engineer, you will: Design and develop software components for complex RF and sensor-based products.Implement and test software within an agile, cross-functional team.Collaborate closely with Product Owners, System Architects, and engineers.Contribute to technical decision-making and trade-off analysis.Maintain and enhance existing systems while supporting future product development.(If applicable) Provide technical leadership and line management support to junior engineers. Essential Skills & ExperienceYou will ideally have: Experience developing software across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to deploymentKnowledge of sensor systems and/or communication systemsStrong understanding of modern software architecture principlesExperience with scientific computing, signal processing, or algorithm implementationProficiency in multiple programming languages such as C++, C#, and PythonExperience working in agile development environments (Scrum, Kanban, etc.)Familiarity with modern development tools including Git, GitLab, and VS CodeA degree (BSc/BEng, MSc or equivalent) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or a related discipline Desirable ExperienceExperience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: Modern UI/UX design and developmentEmbedded software development, cross-compilation and deploymentLinux systems, kernel drivers, and low-level developmentDevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, containerisation (Docker)Technical leadership, mentoring, or line management 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.

As part of our client's expanding National Security division, you'll contribute to high-impact missions across AI/Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud, DevOps, and Platform Engineering. We're seeking inquisitive individuals who excel at dissecting technical systems, not just to understand how they work, but to identify weaknesses, assess risks, and develop mitigation strategies.  Cyber Software Vulnerability EngineerPackage - £45,000 - £65,000 (depending in experience level)Benefits - DV Bonus plus excellent benefitsClearance - Clearable to eDV level, SC clearance required to start.Location - Hampshire What You'll Be Doing Software analysis and reverse engineering of compiled or interpreted code that could be obfuscated or defensively structured, for either x86/x64 or ARM processor architectures.Reverse engineering a wide range of technologies to uncover vulnerabilities and improve security including operating systems and/or firmware internals, security architectures and hardware abstraction.Engineering software from design to delivery in modern IDEs and languages, using Agile delivery.Creating tested and testable code. Integrating with automated verification systems, CI and CD pipelines.Working closely with cybersecurity teams to prioritize vulnerabilities and implement patching strategies.Collaborating in Agile teams to deliver innovative, secure, and robust technical solutions.  What We're Looking For Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Java or C#.Familiarity with scripting and automation using Python, Bash, Powershell or Groovy.Experience working with IDA Pro or Ghidra for reverse engineeringExperience working with Linux or Windows-based systems.Awareness of secure coding practices and modern cybersecurity threats.Knowledge of principles used in Agile environments.   Desirable exposureAny exposure of AI, ML, Cloud or Virtualisation would be considered a plus. Clearance requiredDue to the nature of the clients' work, you will either already hold or are required to go through the eDV security clearance process. SC Clearance required to startThis is an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of National Security innovation. If you're naturally curious, thrive in high-stakes environments, and want to make a real impact, apply today! 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.

I'm currently supporting a leading consultancy that is looking to bring a Test Engineer into their growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about modern testing practices, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to work in a supportive environment that actively invests in career development.Automation Test EngineerSalary - £70,000 to £85,000Location: London, Cheltenham or Manchester - HybridClearance: DV Clearance required ideally at eDV levelThe role is client-facing, so strong communication skills and the confidence to collaborate with stakeholders will be important. You'll be joining an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation with a genuinely friendly culture and plenty of opportunities to grow.What You'll Be Doing Building automation frameworks from scratch across Web, API/Web Services, Performance and Accessibility testing.Working within CI/CD pipelines in a DevOps-focused environment.Advising clients and contributing technical solutions when required.Performing both exploratory and automated testing across the full project lifecycle.Managing defects-identifying, documenting, tracking and collaborating on resolutions.Owning and overseeing the release process.Working closely with developers, junior testers and cross-functional Scrum teams to improve coverage and efficiency.Maintaining and updating regression test suites as products evolve. What They're Looking For Strong hands-on experience with Selenium and modern testing frameworks (BDD, Cucumber, Nightwatch.js).Proficiency in Java, JavaScript or Python (comfortable writing and reading scripts).API testing experience using Rest Assured or Postman.Performance testing experience (JMeter or similar).Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Experience working in Agile teams.A genuine passion for technology and continuous learning. Desirable AWS knowledgeSecurity testing experience  You must hold DV Clearance (Developed Vetting) due to the nature of the work.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.

Business Analyst  Salary - £45,000 - £65,000 + DV Bonus + excellent benefitsLocation: London or Cheltenham - HybridClearance: eDV clearance requiredAbout the RoleAre you a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex problems and driving transformation in high-impact environments?We're looking for a Business Analyst to join our clients established team, working on innovative projects across AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Big Data, and Digital Transformation. In this role, you'll help shape the future of national security and deliver solutions that make a real difference.What You'll DoAs a Business Analyst, you'll be the bridge between our clients and delivery teams - ensuring strategic objectives are translated into actionable insights and tangible results. Your key responsibilities will include: Engaging with senior stakeholders to gather, analyse, and validate business requirementsTranslating complex business needs into clear documentation, user stories, and process mapsCollaborating with architects, engineers, and delivery teams to design secure and scalable solutionsSupporting the development of Target Operating Models and transformation roadmapsLeading workshops, interviews, and stakeholder engagement sessionsDriving business process re-engineering and continuous improvement initiativesEnsuring end-to-end requirements traceability throughout project deliveryContributing to bids and proposals by providing analytical insights and clarity  What You'll BringYou're a skilled communicator and problem solver who's comfortable working in fast-paced, secure, or complex environments. You'll ideally bring: Proven experience as a Business Analyst in Defence, National Security, Government or similarly complex sectorsStrong knowledge of business analysis frameworks and methodologies (e.g., BABOK, Agile, Waterfall, SAFe)Experience in business process modelling (e.g., BPMN, UML) and requirements management toolsExcellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersA proactive, delivery-focused mindset with a commitment to excellence and innovation 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.

Join a trusted leader in National Security technology solutions.As part of our clients growing National Security team, you'll guide one or more scrum teams made up of developers, architects, testers and business analysts. As a Scrum master you will be able to motivate teams and help them work together to deliver value quicklyScrum Master - eDV clearedPackage - £55,000 - £80,000 (depending in experience level)Benefits - DV Bonus plus excellent benefitsLocation - Cheltenham / Bristol What You'll Be Doing: Facilitate the scrum meetings - Daily Standup, Sprint Retrospective, Sprint PlanningBuilding / Maintaining relationships - To be effective at removing blockers, relationships must be built and maintained with other delivery teams, product and other client teams across the organisation. Attend the bi-weekly Scrum Master catch up sessionsMaintain the active Jira board and backlog items ensuring all attributes are correctly assigned. Sprint / PI Reporting - Ensure reporting on activities is completed and accurate every sprint and every PI.Work with the Agile Coach to ensure that agile methodology is implemented and complied with. Experience required: Stakeholder Engagement - Internal & External PartnersAgile FrameworkLeading engineering teamsSoftware / Product backgroundNational Security sector experience  Clearance required - Due to the nature of the clients' work, you are required to hold an eDV level security clearance.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.

Our client is seeking a Technical Project Manager to engage in projects that safeguard the nation. Working alongside the Head of Delivery, the Project Manager is responsible for delivering the strategic leadership of their projects, as well as implementing standard project controls and management tasks. You will bring an expertise in delivery of technical projects within National Security / Government environments and hold an active eDV clearance.Technical Project Manager- eDV clearedSalary - £70,000 - £85,000 + DV bonusLocation - CheltenhamClearance - eDVKey Responsibilities: Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and budgets.Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and turn them into delivery plans. Provide project planning and support on activities including bids and proposalsManage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolution.Foster strong relationships with key government stakeholders to understand and deliver on their unique requirements.Stakeholder communications for project planning, delivery, and maintenance. Skills required: Proven experience delivering projects within the national security, defence, or government sectorsExtensive experience in managing projects that range from conceptual research through to sub-system development, delivery, and support of programmes up to £5mProven experience in Research & Development, Product Development to Software and Solution Delivery. Experience working to Agile methodologies.Pre-sale / bid delivery experience and a thorough understanding of the business lifecyclePrevious experience of working within multi-disciplined projects Excellent Stakeholder management skillsAbility to create and lead positive working relationships with colleaguesYou will ideally hold a recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM. 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.