At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement secure cloud platforms while leading CI/CD in high-assurance environments.
- Company: Join a leading Defence and National Security organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn up to ÂŁ110,000 plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth into Lead or Principal roles.
- Why this job: Shape the future of secure platforms and influence architectural decisions directly.
- Qualifications: Strong DevOps/DevSecOps background with experience in secure environments.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 ÂŁ per year.
If you’re a DevSecOps engineer who’s already operating at a senior level but still feels too far removed from the real engineering, this is where things tend to get more interesting.
Location: Cheltenham / Gloucester (hybrid + high-side work)
Salary: Up to ÂŁ110,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits
We’re supporting a number of Defence and National Security organisations across the South West, ranging from established consultancies to highly regarded SMEs. All are delivering into secure, high-impact programmes and are looking for engineers who can combine strong technical depth with real delivery ownership.
What’s different about these roles?
- You’re not just implementing pipelines. You’re shaping how secure platforms are built.
- These environments tend to be:
- Engineering-led, with strong technical standards
- Closer to the end mission, not buried in layers of delivery
- Set up to give senior engineers real influence over architecture and approach
For many people coming from larger organisations, it’s a shift from “following process” to actually defining it.
What you’ll be doing
- Designing and implementing secure cloud platforms (primarily AWS)
- Embedding security best practices across the full delivery lifecycle
- Leading on CI/CD design within high‑assurance environments
- Working directly with clients to shape platform and security decisions
- Mentoring junior engineers and setting engineering standards
High‑side working is a core part of these roles, along with regular interaction with end clients.
Typical tech environment
- AWS (often in highly controlled / secure configurations)
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform primarily)
- CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)
- Containers & orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Security tooling integrated into pipelines (SAST, DAST, etc.)
What they’re looking for
- Strong background in DevOps / DevSecOps within secure or complex environments
- Experience designing rather than just maintaining platforms
- Good understanding of security principles in cloud‑native systems
- Comfortable working directly with stakeholders and end clients
Active DV or eDV clearance is typically required for these roles.
Why it’s worth considering
- Genuine influence over how platforms are designed and secured
- Exposure to some of the most interesting high‑side programmes in the UK
- Opportunity to move into Lead / Principal roles as teams grow
- Base salaries up to ÂŁ110,000 depending on experience
- Additional DV bonuses, company bonus, and full benefits packages
If you’re looking for a role where you can take more ownership and operate at a higher level technically, happy to talk through what’s available across different teams.
Senior DevSecOps Engineer employer: Forwardrole
Contact Detail:
Forwardrole Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior DevSecOps Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in Defence and National Security. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving AWS, Terraform, or CI/CD. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and security principles. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped secure platforms in past roles. We want to see your thought process and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior DevSecOps Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior DevSecOps Engineer role. Highlight your experience in designing secure cloud platforms and working with CI/CD tools, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about DevSecOps and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Share specific examples of how you've influenced architecture and security practices in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from listing your technical proficiencies, especially with AWS, Terraform, and security tooling. We want to see that you have the hands-on experience to back up your claims!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forwardrole
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like AWS, Terraform, and CI/CD tools. Brush up on your knowledge of security principles in cloud-native systems, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've had to design secure platforms or implement best practices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting how you’ve taken ownership and made impactful decisions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be ready to share examples of how you’ve guided others in the past. Discuss your approach to setting engineering standards and how you foster a collaborative environment, which is key for a senior position.