At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of security architectures for a cutting-edge collaboration platform.
- Company: Join Sopra Steria, a leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, life assurance, pension, and a £5400 car allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape security strategy and influence the future of secure platforms in UK Defence.
- Qualifications: Strong background in network security and experience in leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Ready to help shape a first-of-its-kind secure collaboration platform for MOD and industry? We are looking for a Senior Security Engineer to join a growing Engineering & Architecture capability, delivering a cutting-edge, highly secure environment. This is a rare opportunity to lead security engineering at scale, influence strategy, and embed security-by-design across a complex, classified programme. You will play a key role in designing, implementing and governing security capabilities, while mentoring a team and driving best practice across infrastructure, applications, and data. This role is based on site in Farnborough. You do need to hold current DV Clearance.
What you will be doing:
- Lead the design and implementation of platform-wide security architectures and strategies.
- Drive secure SDLC practices including threat modelling, misuse cases, and risk analysis.
- Oversee security operations including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and assessments.
- Manage and optimise security tooling (Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, EDR).
- Lead incident response activities, ensuring swift mitigation and root cause analysis.
- Collaborate across engineering, architecture, and compliance teams to embed security-by-design.
What you will bring:
- Strong background in network security, SIEM, IDAM, endpoint protection, and cloud security.
- Knowledge of threat intelligence, IOC analysis, and detection engineering.
- Experience in secure SDLC, code review, and threat modelling (including misuse cases).
- Understanding of encryption, authentication, and risk management frameworks.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence senior stakeholders.
It would be great if you have:
- Experience working with frameworks such as NIST.
- Exposure to cloud and container security (AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes).
- Experience operating in air-gapped or highly restricted environments.
- Background in Defence or highly classified programmes.
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Office based in Farnborough
Security Clearance Level: DV Cleared
Salary: To £65K Depending on experience.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave with the choice to buy additional days, life assurance, pension, flex benefit, £5400 car allowance.
Loved reading about this job and want to know more about us? Sopra Steria's Aerospace, Defence and Security business designs, develops and deploys digital solutions to Central Government clients. The work we do makes a real difference to the clients' goal of National Security, and we operate in a unique and privileged environment. We are given time for professional development activities, and we coach and mentor our colleagues, sharing knowledge and learning from each other. We foster a culture in which employees feel valued and supported and have pride in their work for the customer, delivering outstanding rates of customer satisfaction in the UK's most complex safety- and security-critical markets.
Why join us? You will be part of a team delivering something genuinely new and impactful within UK Defence, with clear scope to shape security strategy and influence how secure platforms are built in the future. We offer long-term career development, exposure to complex programmes, and the opportunity to lead and grow a high-performing security function. If you're DV cleared and ready to take on a hands-on leadership role in a mission-critical environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Security Engineer in Southampton employer: Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on a first-of-its-kind secure collaboration platform within the Defence sector in Farnborough. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a supportive work culture, and the chance to lead and mentor a talented team, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on national security while enjoying competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, life assurance, and a car allowance. Join us to shape the future of security engineering in a highly classified environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Engineer in Southampton
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Sopra Steria, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Sopra Steria
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Sopra Steria. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Sopra Steria insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Sopra Steria that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Sopra Steria to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Sopra Steria.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
