At a Glance
- Tasks: Build innovative data solutions for National Security using modern technologies.
- Company: Engineering-led organisation focused on enhancing Data capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Active DV/eDV clearance required; dynamic teams with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Gain ownership in projects and influence platform design in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong fundamentals in data engineering and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Opportunities across key UK National Security hubs
Hybrid: Secure-site working required, varying by programme
Salary: £70,000–£100,000+ depending on experience and level
Clearance: Active DV / eDV clearance required
If you're a Data Engineer who's spending more time maintaining what already exists than building something better, this could be worth a look. I'm supporting an engineering-led organisation that's continuing to grow its Data capability across National Security, with opportunities to work on modern platforms where data increasingly sits at the heart of analytics, AI/ML and operational decision-making.
The attraction here isn't just a newer stack. It's the chance to work in smaller, multidisciplinary teams where Data Engineers have a voice, work directly with good technical people and can influence how platforms are actually designed and built. Less being the data person at the end of a delivery chain. More engineering ownership.
You'll typically be working across:
- Python and SQL
- AWS and cloud-native data services
- ETL / ELT and scalable data pipelines
- Spark and distributed data processing
- Data modelling and modern data architectures
- CI/CD, automation and Infrastructure as Code
- Data platforms supporting analytics, AI/ML and complex operational datasets
You don't need to have used every technology. I'm much more interested in Data Engineers with strong fundamentals who enjoy solving difficult problems, can communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, and want to keep broadening their engineering capability.
This should particularly appeal if you're coming from a larger consultancy or prime and wondering whether a smaller engineering environment could offer more ownership, less red tape, better progression and closer access to technical decision-making.
Clearance: Most of the work supports live National Security programmes, so active DV or eDV clearance is required for this opportunity. Occasionally I can support exceptional SC-cleared engineers into roles that offer a route to higher clearance, but those opportunities are the exception rather than the rule.
Not actively looking? That's completely fine. If you're curious about which organisations are genuinely investing in Data Engineering, how their cultures compare, or simply what your experience is worth in the current market, 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.
Data Engineer (National Security) - DV / eDV employer: Forwardrole
Forwardrole is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the engineering consultancy space, particularly in the critical field of National Security. With a hybrid work model across vibrant locations like Gloucestershire, Manchester, and London, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and offers competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. Joining Forwardrole means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to secure software delivery, where your contributions directly impact national safety and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer (National Security) - DV / eDV
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Forwardrole!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Engineer (National Security) - DV / eDV at Forwardrole.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Forwardrole.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Engineer (National Security) - DV / eDV at Forwardrole, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer (National Security) - DV / eDV
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Forwardrole, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Forwardrole. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forwardrole
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Forwardrole!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
