Systems Engineer - Speculative Talent Pipeline in Bristol

We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

About the opportunity

Due to increased demand, we’re building a pipeline for proactive and mission focused Systems Engineers who are interested in joining our growing Engineering team. These roles suit people who enjoy hands-on engineering, rapid integration, and delivering robust systems into demanding environments. We operate a hybrid model, typically around three days a week in the office, and welcome applicants within a commutable distance of Bristol.

You’ll work across diverse capabilities and tech domains, playing a pivotal role in designing and delivering sophisticated, high-stakes systems and working closely with colleagues who share a practical, delivery-driven mindset. Our culture values clarity, pace, and purposeful decision-making. We focus on user needs, rely on open communication, and support each other during intense delivery phases.

You can register your interest by applying to this advert, and when a suitable vacancy opens, we’ll get in contact with you. Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

Who We’re Looking For

• Mid-Level Systems Engineers
  Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 dependent on experience
  If you’re a mid-level engineer, you’re ready to deepen your impact and tackle broader technical challenges. At Rowden, you’ll take ownership of key system elements, lead integration tasks, and support architecture development. You’ll work across disciplines, solve technical issues, and guide junior colleagues. Your role spans design, analysis, integration, and delivery of systems into service, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and robust, real-world solutions. For mid-level, we’re looking for Engineers with 4+ years’ experience, though we also welcome those who can demonstrate equivalent skills, impact, and technical capability.
• Senior Systems Engineers
  Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience
  If you're an experienced systems engineer ready to lead and inspire, Rowden offers you the chance to shape the direction of our most complex projects. As a senior, you'll architect end-to-end solutions, oversee technical delivery, and provide strategic guidance across multiple programs. You'll mentor and develop the next generation of engineers while fostering collaboration with stakeholders at all levels. Your expertise will drive innovation, help navigate ambiguity, and ensure delivery of high-assurance systems that meet demanding requirements. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact, both on mission-critical capabilities and the growth of our engineering culture. For senior level, we’re looking for Engineers with 7+ years’ experience, though we also welcome those who can demonstrate equivalent skills, impact, and technical capability.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

We're looking for engineers who thrive on hands-on systems design, rapid integration, and real-world experimentation. Key skills, shaped by your experience could include:

• Translating user needs and CONOPS into system requirements.
• Applying systems engineering lifecycles in varied contexts.
• Designing, building, and deploying systems into operational settings.
• Assessing trade-offs and explaining decisions clearly.
• Reviewing technical work and identifying key risks.
• Ensuring solutions meet safety, security, and environmental standards.
• Communicating complex ideas in plain language.
• Staying adaptable, curious, and hands-on.

Desirable (not essential)

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in relevant STEM subject.
• Knowledge of Government engineering and procurement.
• Knowledge of Agile development lifecycles and model-based systems engineering approaches.
• Knowledge of one or more of:
  SysML, Enterprise Architect
  Tactical networked C4ISR systems
  Autonomous platforms
  Cloud technologies
  Machine learning
  Safety and security assurance

About you

• Pragmatism: You will adopt a decisive, precise and pragmatic approach to both delivery and the development of systems capability, effectively considering the holistic risk / reward balance.
• Attention to detail: You will have a quality mind-set and be in the detail, providing objective assurance of systems activities building high levels of trust and autonomy within the team.
• Operational expertise: You will have the experience in delivery, such as making the mistakes, going too-light or too-heavy on process and tools, understanding the real-world complexity and consequences of difficult trade-offs etc, to lead, direct, inform, mentor and coach members of the systems team.
• Communication Skills: You can explain complex engineering information clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, in a fast-paced environment.

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are! We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants. Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible. Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!