Mission Systems Integration Consultant (Forward Deployed)

We’re looking for a Mission Systems Integration Consultant to join Rowden’s Tech Services Division, supporting the fielding of next-generation C4ISR and tactical systems. This is a forward-deployed role that combines user insight, domain knowledge, and hands-on consultancy to help MOD delivery teams shape and deploy capability that works – technically, tactically and operationally.

You’ll act as a trusted advisor, user representative and delivery partner – translating between the needs of specialist users and the constraints of government delivery. You’ll connect the dots across MOD stakeholders, end users, and technical teams to help systems gain traction and make impact on the ground. You’ll need to be highly proactive, operationally credible, user-focused and comfortable working across boundaries in complex defence environments.

Where you’ll work: This is a UK-based role with regular travel to MOD sites – particularly in the West Midlands, but also Bristol, Wales, and the South Coast. Travel and flexibility are core to the role – and we offer additional compensation to reflect this. You’ll be part of our Tech Services team but work closely with engineers, delivery teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders across government and industry. We’re open to permanent or contracting arrangements, depending on your preference and experience. Our preference is for a permanent role.

What you’ll do:

• Represent end users in the delivery of C4ISR capabilities, advising on needs, constraints, and practical deployment
• Champion for Defence, Equipment & Support (DE&S) and their capabilities
• Act as a liaison between delivery agencies, DE&S and specialist users – helping align delivery with operational reality
• Lead discovery, demonstration and de-risking work on tactical communication systems (radios, applications, ancillaries, BLOS, gateways)
• Provide consultancy input into MOD capability direction and project strategy
• Connect delivery teams with hard-to-reach users and networks across defence
• Carry out early feasibility testing and support technology transition
• Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Identify and remove blockers to adoption and system acceptance

What you’ll bring:

• Strong domain knowledge of military systems, users, and operational TTPs
• Experience working alongside MOD delivery teams or in defence consultancy
• Access and credibility with specialist user communities
• Familiarity with DE&S processes, funding cycles and organisational constraints
• Technical understanding of tactical radios, applications, and supporting systems
• Ability to work independently and make progress in ambiguous environments
• SC clearance (or eligibility); DV desirable

• Basic IP Networking (CompTIA N+)
• Experience with MANET systems and covert ancillaries
• Understanding of BLOS systems (e.g. satcom, HF) and tactical gateways
• Knowledge of CONUSE development and operational user needs capture
• Jira/Confluence literacy (or ability to learn quickly)
• Familiarity with TAK and geospatial applications

We’re looking for someone who:

• Cares deeply about user outcomes and mission relevance
• Can work flexibly across organisational and technical boundaries
• Is self-starting, action-oriented and comfortable with uncertainty
• Has the interpersonal skills to build trust and influence without authority
• Thrives in a delivery environment that blends technology, users and urgency

At Rowden, we design and deploy technology where it matters most – supporting defence, national security, and frontline users. As a Mission Systems Integration Consultant, you’ll play a key role in shaping how capability is delivered, ensuring it fits the operational need and makes a difference in the real world.

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!