At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical engagements and design secure solutions for Defence and National Security.
- Company: Join Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity with a mission to protect people and data.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment, continuous learning, and a comprehensive rewards package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on diversity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in pre-sales engineering and knowledge of cybersecurity technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
IMPORTANT: Candidates must already be based in the UK with full right to work. Candidates must either already hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK security clearance.
Join Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader with over two decades of innovation, as we continue to support the digital transformation of UK public services. Our mission is to protect people, services and data everywhere, and we are looking for a talented Systems Engineer to help us deliver that mission across the UK's Defence and National Security sectors.
We are expanding our Public Sector team and hiring a Systems Engineer to support our Defence and National Security customers. This role is ideal for engineers who understand the challenges of mission-critical environments, distributed and legacy estates, complex technology programmes, and the security and compliance requirements faced by UK Defence and National Security organisations.
Our work in this sector spans secure network transformation, SD-WAN for multi-site environments, NGFW and segmentation, SOC and monitoring integration, public and private cloud adoption, and end-to-end security architecture across highly regulated and security-conscious environments.
You will work closely with account teams, defence partners, systems integrators and public sector stakeholders to design and validate solutions that improve resilience, reduce risk and support critical national missions.
As a Systems Engineer at Fortinet, you'll be a trusted technical advisor to customers, partners and account teams, working throughout the sales cycle to understand complex requirements, develop secure architectures and demonstrate how Fortinet solutions can address the challenges faced by Defence and National Security organisations.
What You'll Do:
- Lead technical engagements across the full sales lifecycle, including discovery, solution design, architecture workshops, presentations and proof-of-concepts (PoCs).
- Translate complex customer requirements into secure, scalable Fortinet architectures aligned to operational, security, compliance and commercial constraints.
- Work with Defence customers, systems integrators and partners to understand mission requirements and develop appropriate security and networking solutions.
- Deliver engaging product demonstrations, whiteboarding sessions, architecture workshops and technical briefings to both technical and executive audiences.
- Support secure network transformation initiatives including SD-WAN, NGFW, segmentation, SOC integration, cloud security and Zero Trust architectures.
- Work cross-functionally with customers, partners, integrators, account teams and Fortinet specialists to ensure successful solution adoption and long-term customer value.
- Maintain deep expertise across Fortinet's portfolio, relevant UK Defence and public sector security standards, industry trends and emerging cybersecurity threats.
- Support RFI/RFP responses and ensure accurate technical documentation within Salesforce.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor, providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues and partners and sharing best practices across the wider Systems Engineering organisation.
What We're Looking For:
We're looking for technically skilled, customer-focused professionals who thrive in complex environments and enjoy solving challenging security and networking problems. You may be a great fit if you have:
- Experience in a pre-sales engineering, technical consulting or customer-facing technical role.
- Experience supporting UK Defence, National Security, Central Government or other highly secure public sector environments.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity technologies including Network Security, NGFW, SD-WAN, segmentation, SASE, Zero Trust, SOC technologies and Cloud Security.
- An understanding of security and compliance frameworks relevant to UK Government and Defence environments, such as NCSC guidance, NIST, Defence Standards and JSPs.
- Experience working with systems integrators, technology partners or within complex multi-vendor environments.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with technical, commercial and executive stakeholders.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trusted relationships with customers, partners and internal stakeholders.
- Industry certifications such as Fortinet NSE/FCP, CISSP, CCNP or equivalent are an advantage.
Why Fortinet:
At Fortinet, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We're 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 Defence and National Security together.
Systems Engineer - Public Sector (Defence & National Security) employer: Fortinet
Fortinet is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation and professional growth are at the forefront. As a Systems Engineer in the UK Service Provider market, you will benefit from extensive training opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to work on cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that make a real impact. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on career advancement, Fortinet offers a rewarding environment for those looking to thrive in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer - Public Sector (Defence & National Security)
✨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, 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
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Fortinet. 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 (Defence & National Security)
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 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 that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortinet
✨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 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.
✨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.
