Backend Software Engineer – National Security (eDV Cleared/ Green Badge)

Forward Role; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Role are seeking a Backend Software Engineer for the National Security sector. Work across secure, mission-critical systems and the full backend stack, delivering robust APIs and services.

The role supports Java, Python, C++, C#, and Go, with opportunities to shape architecture in a high-trust environment. You will work across multiple UK locations including Cheltenham, London, Bristol, and more, with active eDV clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design and build backend services and APIs underpinning secure, mission-critical systems
• Work across the full backend stack - from data layer to service architecture
• Opportunities across Java, Python, C++, C#, and Go - open to your strongest language and stack
• No siloing into legacy maintenance only - genuine scope to shape architecture and technical direction
• Active support to upskill in areas like AWS or Kubernetes
• Secure, mission-critical environments throughout

Job description

Backend Software Engineer - National Security (eDV Cleared/ Green Badge)

Multiple UK Locations

Working with a specialist engineering organisation delivering mission-critical software solutions across the UK's National Security sector data, secure systems, and cloud transformation- at a genuinely exciting stage of growth. This is where backend engineering directly underpins secure, high-stakes systems used across UK National Security and Defence

Locations

• Hampshire
• Bristol
• Corsham
• Gloucester
• Cheltenham
• London
• Manchester

Rates

• Competitive (£50k- £85k), dependent on experience and SFIA grading
• Full details on application

Security Clearance

• Active eDV clearance required

The Role

• Design and build backend services and APIs underpinning secure, mission-critical systems
• Work across the full backend stack - from data layer to service architecture
• Opportunities across Java, Python, C++, C#, and Go - open to your strongest language and stack
• No siloing into legacy maintenance only - genuine scope to shape architecture and technical direction
• Active support to upskill in areas like AWS or Kubernetes
• Secure, mission-critical environments throughout

Progression & Culture

• Career progression based on technical remit and impact, not years served
• Flatter structure with a genuine team culture - not lost in a large hierarchy
• Real technical ownership and influence over how problems get solved, not just what gets built