At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical engagements and design secure solutions for Local Government.
- Company: Join Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity with a mission to protect public services.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, continuous learning, career development, and a comprehensive rewards package.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the digital transformation of UK Local Government.
- Qualifications: Experience in pre-sales engineering and knowledge of cybersecurity technologies.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
IMPORTANT: Candidates must already be based in the UK with full right to work.
Join Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader with over two decades of innovation, as we continue to support the digital transformation of UK Local Government. Our mission is to protect people, services, and data everywhere, and we are looking for Systems Engineers to help us deliver that mission across councils and local authorities. We are expanding our Public Sector team and hiring Systems Engineers to support Local Authorities, County Councils, District and Borough Councils, Unitary Authorities, Combined Authorities, and related local government organisations.
This role is ideal for engineers who understand the challenges of distributed estates, legacy modernisation, critical service availability, and the security and compliance pressures faced by Local Government. Our work in this sector spans secure network transformation, SD-WAN for multi-site environments, NGFW and segmentation, SOC and monitoring integration, cloud adoption, and end-to-end security architecture.
You will work closely with account teams, partners, and public sector stakeholders to design and validate solutions that improve resilience, reduce risk, and support essential public services.
What You’ll Do
- Lead technical engagements with Local Government customers across the full sales lifecycle, including discovery, solution design, workshops, and PoCs.
- Translate council and local authority requirements into secure, scalable Fortinet architectures aligned to operational, compliance, and budget constraints.
- Deliver demonstrations, whiteboarding sessions, and technical briefings tailored to Local Government environments.
- Support secure network transformation projects including SD-WAN, NGFW, segmentation, cloud security, and SOC integration.
- Work with partners, procurement frameworks, and internal teams to ensure successful delivery and long-term adoption.
- Maintain expertise across Fortinet’s portfolio, UK Public Sector security standards, and emerging threats.
- Support RFI/RFP responses, framework submissions, and accurate documentation in Salesforce.
- Act as a trusted advisor to customers and a technical mentor to partners and colleagues.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a pre-sales engineering, technical consulting, or customer-facing engineering role.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity technologies such as NGFW, SD-WAN, segmentation, SASE, Zero Trust, SOC tooling, and cloud security.
- Experience supporting Local Authorities or other Local Government organisations.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical public sector stakeholders.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trusted relationships with customers and partners.
- Industry certifications (e.g., NSE/FCP, CISSP, CCNP) are an advantage.
Why Fortinet
At Fortinet, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. You’ll join a collaborative team with access to continuous learning, career development, and a Total Rewards package that supports your health, well-being, and financial future. Let’s help secure the future of UK Local Government together.
Systems Engineer - Public Sector (Local Gov) employer: Fortinet, Inc.
Fortinet is an exceptional employer for Systems Engineers in the Public Sector, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Fortinet provides continuous learning opportunities and a comprehensive Total Rewards package that prioritises health and well-being. Join us in making a meaningful impact on UK Local Government by securing essential public services and driving digital transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer - Public Sector (Local Gov)
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Fortinet, Inc., love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Fortinet, Inc.
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Fortinet, Inc.. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer - Public Sector (Local Gov)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Fortinet, Inc. insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Fortinet, Inc. that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortinet, Inc.
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Fortinet, Inc. to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Fortinet, Inc..
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
