At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and evolve secure AWS platforms, design Kubernetes architecture, and drive automation.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led organisations in the National Security sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for technical progression.
- Other info: Active DV/eDV clearance required; opportunities for SC-cleared engineers may exist.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment with modern technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in AWS, Kubernetes, Terraform, and a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Active DV / eDV Clearance
Hybrid opportunities across the UK
£75,000 - £100,000+ depending on experience and clearance
There’s one conversation I keep having... It usually starts with something like this.
"I don't actually dislike where I work... I'm just not sure I'll still be enjoying it in another couple of years."
Sometimes it's because platform engineering has become little more than BAU support. Sometimes it's layers of approvals and process slowing everything down. Sometimes it's being surrounded by good people but working on technology that never really moves forward. And sometimes it's simply wanting to work somewhere where engineering still feels like engineering.
If you've found yourself thinking something similar recently, I'd like to tell you about the type of opportunities I'm seeing across the National Security community.
What The Best Engineering Teams Have In Common
Over the last couple of years I've spent hundreds of hours speaking with Platform Engineers, Cloud Architects, Technical Leads and Engineering Managers across the National Security sector. The strongest engineering environments aren't necessarily the biggest names. In fact, they're often the opposite. Smaller engineering-led organisations where decisions happen quickly. Leadership teams who still understand technology. Platform teams trusted to solve problems rather than simply operate ticket queues. Modern AWS platforms built around Terraform, Kubernetes and automation instead of legacy infrastructure. Teams where engineers influence architecture, challenge ideas and genuinely own what they're building. Those are exactly the organisations I choose to represent.
The Opportunity
Rather than advertising a single employer, this advert represents the type of opportunities I regularly recruit for across a carefully selected group of engineering-led National Security organisations. Depending on which environment suits you best, that could mean:
- Owning secure AWS platform environments supporting critical UK capability
- Designing and evolving Kubernetes-based platform architecture
- Building Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and cloud-native tooling
- Driving automation across deployment, observability and operational resilience
- Working alongside experienced Cloud, Platform and Software Engineers in genuinely collaborative teams
- Influencing engineering direction rather than simply delivering somebody else's roadmap
- Joining organisations where progression comes through technical impact— not headcount management
Some environments are consultancy-led with long-term customer partnerships. Others are product-focused. Some are scaling rapidly. Others are already recognised as some of the most respected engineering businesses in the National Security community. The common thread is simple. Good engineering, good people and meaningful technical ownership.
Clearance
Most of the organisations I support are delivering work on live National Security programmes, so active DV or eDV clearance is typically a prerequisite. That said, every so often an opportunity arises where an exceptional SC-cleared engineer—someone with the right technical background and a realistic route to higher clearance—can be brought in and sponsored. Those opportunities are limited, but they do exist, so if you're unsure where you fit, I'm always happy to have an honest conversation.
Who You'll Probably Be
This advert will likely resonate if you already have experience across areas such as:
- AWS Platform Engineering
- Kubernetes
- Terraform
- Linux, CI/CD
- Infrastructure as Code
- Automation & Observability
- Python, Bash or PowerShell
- Secure Cloud Exposure
You're probably already operating as a Senior Platform Engineer, Senior DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer or Technical Lead. More importantly, you're someone who enjoys solving problems, improving platforms and continually learning.
Why Speak To Me?
The engineers I work with rarely move because somebody offered them another £5,000. They're usually looking for something much harder to find. A stronger engineering culture. More ownership. Better technical leadership. Modern cloud platforms. Greater flexibility. A place where they'll still be learning two or three years from now. That's exactly what my conversations focus on. Rather than trying to sell you a vacancy, I'll help you understand which organisations genuinely align with what matters most to you—and I'll be honest if I don't think one of my clients is the right fit.
Several of the engineers I've helped over the last year started with nothing more than a confidential conversation about where the market was heading. Not actively looking? That's completely fine. Some of the best conversations I have each week are with engineers who simply want an honest view of the market. If you're curious about which organisations are genuinely investing in modern platform engineering, how engineering cultures compare, or where the strongest technical teams are being built across the National Security community, I'm always happy to share what I'm seeing. If nothing else, you'll come away with a clearer picture of the market—even if your next move is still a year away.
Senior Platform Engineer - National Security in Cheltenham employer: Forward Role
At Forward Role, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our Cloud & DevOps Engineers. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth in the thriving tech hubs of London and beyond, we empower our employees to tackle complex engineering challenges in National Security environments while working with cutting-edge technologies like AWS and Kubernetes. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Platform Engineer - National Security in Cheltenham
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Forward Role or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Forward Role.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Forward Role.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Forward Role that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Platform Engineer - National Security in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Forward Role.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Forward Role and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Role
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Forward Role uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
