At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team of Data Engineers and Architects working on cutting-edge cloud and AI projects.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led organisations in the UK National Security ecosystem.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for technical ownership.
- Other info: Explore unique opportunities with a focus on technical exposure and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in secure environments with modern technology and strong engineering culture.
- Qualifications: Active DV/eDV clearance preferred; experience in data engineering or architecture required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Opportunities available across all compass points
Hybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programme
Salary: Competitive depending on experience, clearance and SFIA grading
Clearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred
The Opportunity
We work with a carefully selected group of engineering-led organisations operating across the UK National Security ecosystem, ranging from specialist SMEs through to R&D-focused technology businesses delivering complex cloud, AI and data capability into secure environments. The common thread across all of them is strong engineering culture, modern technology environments and a focus on building teams where people are trusted to do meaningful work.
This open application is designed for Data Engineers and Data Architects who want a discreet conversation about the market, the types of organisations currently hiring and the environments where engineering quality is genuinely prioritised.
The work across our network typically spans areas such as:
- Cloud-native data platforms
- Distributed and streaming data systems
- AI / ML-enabled capability
- Geospatial and operational data platforms
- Secure analytics environments
- High-assurance systems and modern digital transformation programmes
The organisations we support range from long-standing National Security engineering businesses through to fast-growing specialist SMEs with strong reputations across the ecosystem. Many offer environments that feel very different to the larger consultancies or primes, with flatter structures, closer-knit engineering teams and greater technical ownership.
Typical Technology Environments
The exact stack varies across clients and programmes, but we regularly work with teams using technologies such as:
- Python and modern data processing frameworks
- Apache Spark, Kafka and streaming architectures
- AWS cloud and cloud-native data services
- Kubernetes and containerised platforms
- ETL and orchestration tooling such as NiFi
- Relational and NoSQL database technologies
- AI / ML engineering tooling and modern analytics platforms
- Geospatial and operational data systems
Some opportunities are heavily engineering-focused, others lean more towards architecture, technical leadership or customer-facing design work. What matters most across the market is usually not a perfect stack match, but strong engineering fundamentals, adaptability and the ability to work effectively with both technical teams and stakeholders.
Who This Is For
We’re interested in speaking with:
- Data Engineers working across pipelines, platforms or analytics systems
- Data Architects designing scalable cloud and data platforms
- Engineers working within AI / ML, geospatial or operational data environments
- People operating in secure environments who want visibility into broader market opportunities
- Engineers and architects who value strong culture, technical autonomy and modern engineering practices
You do not need to be actively looking to have a conversation. In many cases, the most valuable discussions simply help engineers benchmark their current environment, understand where the market is moving and gain access to opportunities that are rarely advertised publicly.
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the environments we support, most opportunities require active DV or eDV clearance, or eligibility to progress through higher levels of UK vetting.
Data Engineers & Architects (DV / eDV Cleared) employer: Forwardrole
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises engineering excellence and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. With opportunities across the UK National Security ecosystem, we offer competitive salaries, hybrid working patterns, and a commitment to employee growth through exposure to cutting-edge technologies and diverse project work. Our unique environment encourages technical ownership and meaningful contributions, making it an ideal place for Data Engineers and Architects seeking to advance their careers in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineers & Architects (DV / eDV Cleared)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and contributions. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to companies you’re interested in. A friendly email or LinkedIn message can open doors and lead to conversations about opportunities that might not be listed yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles waiting for talented Data Engineers and Architects. It’s a great way to get noticed and start a conversation about your next career move.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineers & Architects (DV / eDV Cleared)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Data Engineer or Architect role. Highlight your experience with relevant technologies like Python, AWS, or Apache Spark, and show how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your engineering fundamentals and adaptability. Whether it's cloud-native platforms or AI/ML capabilities, let us see what you've accomplished!
Be Clear About Your Clearance:Since we’re looking for candidates with DV/eDV clearance, make sure to mention your current clearance status upfront. This helps us understand your eligibility for the roles we have available.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and start a conversation about the exciting opportunities we have in the National Security ecosystem.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forwardrole
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python, Apache Spark, and AWS. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past projects. This shows you’re not just a fit on paper but can also contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Engineering Fundamentals
Emphasise your strong engineering fundamentals during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you approach problem-solving, your adaptability in different environments, and your ability to work with both technical teams and stakeholders. This is crucial for roles that require collaboration across various functions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your practical knowledge and decision-making skills. Think of examples from your previous work where you faced challenges related to data pipelines or cloud architecture, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the companies you're interviewing with to understand their engineering culture and values. Be ready to discuss why you’re interested in working in an environment that prioritises technical ownership and modern practices. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your alignment with their ethos.
