At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team delivering cloud, data, and software solutions for National Security.
- Company: Innovative engineering-led SMEs and consultancies in the National Security space.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Explore diverse roles and cultures across the National Security ecosystem.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in secure environments with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in data, cloud, or software engineering with active DV/eDV clearance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Opportunities across all compass points, including South West, North West and London hubs
Hybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programme
Salary: £60,000 – £120,000+ depending on experience and SFIA grading
Clearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred
The Opportunity
If you’re operating in the National Security space and quietly wondering what else is out there, this is a good place to start. We work across a curated group of engineering‑led SMEs, specialist consultancies and secure-side technology teams delivering cloud, data, software and AI capability across the UK’s National Security ecosystem. The common thread across the organisations we represent is not size or brand name. It’s the quality of the engineering environment. Modern stacks. Stronger cultures. Better progression. More ownership. Less red tape than many traditional prime environments.
A number of the teams we support are scaling secure data and cloud capability right now, with work spanning AWS, DevSecOps, AI‑ready data platforms, geospatial data, analytics, secure software and modernisation of complex legacy estates. Some are long‑standing specialists. Some are fast‑growing SMEs. Some sit closer to R&D. Others are deeply embedded delivery partners. The point of this advert is not to push you towards one role. It’s to give cleared engineers a discreet route into the parts of the market that are often never properly advertised.
The Roles
- Data Engineering
- Platform and DevOps Engineering
- Cloud Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Data Architecture
- Solution Architecture
Across the market, typical environments include:
- AWS cloud services and cloud‑native architecture
- Kubernetes, Docker and secure container platform
- Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, CloudFormation and automation tooling
- CI/CD, DevSecOps and secure software delivery practice
- Python, Java and modern backend engineering
- Distributed data platforms, ETL pipelines and streaming architectures
- Analytics, AI‑ready data services and operational data platforms
- Geospatial and secure data environments
The exact stack will vary by client and programme. What matters most is that you have strong engineering fundamentals, can work well in secure environments and want to understand where your experience could be valued.
Who This Is For
This is aimed at engineers who are already operating in Defence, Government or National Security environments and want a better view of the market.
- Actively looking for a move
- Passively exploring options
- Benchmarking your current salary or progression
- Frustrated by siloed roles or slow‑moving delivery structures
- Curious about smaller, more engineering‑led employers
- Interested in secure data, cloud, AI, geospatial or software modernisation
You do not need to be actively applying to have a conversation. For many candidates, the most useful starting point is simply understanding which organisations are hiring, what cultures are genuinely strong and which opportunities are actually worth your time.
Clearance Requirements
Due to the nature of the environments we support, active DV / eDV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and comfortable operating within secure National Security environments.
Data, Cloud & Software Engineers - Open Application (DV / eDV Cleared) in London employer: Forward Role
As a leading employer in the National Security sector, we offer Data, Cloud & Software Engineers the chance to work in a dynamic and engineering-focused environment across various UK locations, including London and the South West. Our culture prioritises modern technology stacks, employee ownership, and minimal bureaucracy, ensuring that you can thrive and progress in your career while contributing to impactful projects in secure data and cloud capabilities. With competitive salaries and a commitment to professional growth, we provide a unique opportunity for engineers seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data, Cloud & Software Engineers - Open Application (DV / eDV Cleared) in London
✨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 Data, Cloud & Software Engineers - Open Application (DV / eDV Cleared) in London
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.
