Security Lead

We’re building the next UK-headquartered engineering powerhouse. There is a gulf between the needs of mission-focused organisations and the development and delivery of the critical technology they rely on. The consequences of this are felt acutely by underserved frontline operators, demanding a new breed of engineering enterprise to bridge this divide. Rowden exists to meet this need. We design and build systems, infrastructure, and applications to deliver mission advantage to those working to protect the security of the UK and its allies. Rowden is setting a new standard in government technology provision: hyper-efficient engineering, better customer relationships, and rapid assimilation of commercial technology. In this critical role, you will be responsible for assuring secure, software-centric systems that manage and process classified information for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). Your expertise will encompass cloud infrastructure, software development, and far-edge networking and integration, with a specific focus on implementing and championing Secure by Design. You will act as a critical friend to our project teams, providing advice and assurance, and challenging when necessary. You will ensure that all systems are resilient, secure, and comply with the latest MOD security standards, enabling robust and secure delivery of capabilities. Key areas of responsibility As a Security Lead at Rowden, you’ll be responsible for: Embedding Secure by Design principles into each stage of our product and service lifecycles, from conception to disposal. Conducting regular assessments and reporting on our internal and external security posture. Continuously improving processes to identify and assess threats and vulnerabilities, escalating critical issues and coordinating resolutions. Ensuring that security is integral to the development and delivery of our systems by collaborating with cross-functional teams and asking the right questions at the right time. Advising our engineering and IT teams on security best practice and emerging threats. Engaging with supply chain partners to verify security requirements throughout the capability lifecycle. Overseeing the assurance, verification, and testing of security controls to ensure compliance and resilience. Leading security accreditation processes across our products and services. Key skills, experience and behaviours You bring deep expertise in securing and assuring complex systems: Extensive experience in software development environments and infrastructure delivery with a solid engineering foundation, ideally in software engineering. Extensive experience in software development environments and infrastructure delivery, with a solid engineering foundation, ideally in software engineering. In-depth knowledge of Secure by Design principles and their application in secure systems architecture. Proficiency in securing cloud infrastructure, software, far edge networking, and integrated systems. Strong analytical and risk management skills, with a focus on continuous security improvement. Ability to work alongside cross-functional teams to achieve secure, compliant solutions. About you You are a security assurance expert with a commitment to safeguarding mission-critical systems: Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to security challenges. Excellent communicator, able to articulate complex security concepts to a range of stakeholders. Collaborative team player who excels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to maintaining the highest security standards. Committed to self-improvement and staying current with best practices and emerging threats. 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 About Rowden Our Mission: To create the best possible technology for frontline operators. We’re upending the conventions of government technology provision and bringing a leaner, more transparent, and lower-friction approach that reduces waste and places outcome over process. We believe every possible measure should be taken to provide frontline operators in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing world with the technology they need to help keep themselves and others safe. Our Vision: We offer fast and flexible solutions to the technical challenges of public sector organisations. We are specialists in software-centric systems, with deep expertise in developing capabilities for constrained networking environments or with challenging cyber security requirements. But the Rowden difference is as much cultural as it is technical: ‘what we do’ and ‘how we do it’ are equally important. We are specifically organised to create and sustain pace, reduce waste and inefficiency, and drive better outcomes. You’ll see and feel that energy and intent all over our business. What matters to us? Our focus is on the end user. We exist to deliver the best possible outcomes for the users of our systems. Pace matters. The problems we solve are urgent. Our diverse skills and backgrounds make us better. Our team prides itself on being inclusive and multidisciplinary. We are radically honest. Saying what we mean, even when it isn’t easy. We are pragmatists. We provide realistic, focused solutions that get to the point. We improve continuously. We are relentless in our drive to make things better.