Systems Engineer

Rowden

Systems Engineer designing and delivering sophisticated systems for national security and resilience. Roles for proactive, hands-on engineers focused on solving practical engineering challenges.

Posted 5/21/2026full-timeBristol • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £40,000 - £70,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
You’ll work with capable colleagues on practical engineering problems that matter. 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.
Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance. More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in relevant STEM subject is desirable (not essential).
Knowledge of Government engineering and procurement is desirable (not essential).
Knowledge of Agile development lifecycles and model-based systems engineering approaches is desirable (not essential).
Knowledge of one or more of: SysML, Enterprise Architect, Tactical networked C4ISR systems, Autonomous platforms, Cloud technologies, Machine learning, Safety and security assurance is desirable (not essential).

Benefits

Comp & perks

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!

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

systems engineeringAgile developmentmodel-based systems engineeringSysMLEnterprise ArchitectC4ISR systemsAutonomous platformsCloud technologiesMachine learningsafety and security assurance

Soft Skills

communicationadaptabilitycuriosityhands-on approachclaritydecision-makingcollaborationproblem-solvingrisk assessmentuser needs translation

Certifications

SC clearance