We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 160 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.

About the opportunity

Due to increased demand, we’re building a pipeline for proactive and mission focused Systems Engineers who are interested in joining our growing Engineering team.

These roles suit people who enjoy hands-on engineering, rapid integration, and delivering robust systems into demanding environments. We operate a hybrid model, typically around three days a week in the office, and welcome applicants within a commutable distance of Bristol.

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.

You can register your interest by applying to this advert, and when a suitable vacancy opens, we’ll get in contact with you.

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

Below is an outline of the levels we’re hiring for.

Mid-Level Systems Engineers
Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 dependent on experience

If you’re a mid-level engineer, you’re ready to deepen your impact and tackle broader technical challenges.

At Rowden, you’ll take ownership of key system elements, lead integration tasks, and support architecture development. You’ll work across disciplines, solve technical issues, and guide junior colleagues. Your role spans design, analysis, integration, and delivery of systems into service, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and robust, real-world solutions.

For mid-level, we’re looking for Engineers with 4+ years’ experience, though we also welcome those who can demonstrate equivalent skills, impact, and technical capability.

Senior Systems Engineers
Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience

If you're an experienced systems engineer ready to lead and inspire, Rowden offers you the chance to shape the direction of our most complex projects. As a senior, you'll architect end-to-end solutions, oversee technical delivery, and provide strategic guidance across multiple programs.

You'll mentor and develop the next generation of engineers while fostering collaboration with stakeholders at all levels. Your expertise will drive innovation, help navigate ambiguity, and ensure delivery of high-assurance systems that meet demanding requirements. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact, both on mission-critical capabilities and the growth of our engineering culture.

For senior level, we’re looking for Engineers with 7+ years’ experience, though we also welcome those who can demonstrate equivalent skills, impact, and technical capability.

We're looking for engineers who thrive on hands-on systems design, rapid integration, and real-world experimentation.

Key skills, shaped by your experience could include:

Desirable (not essential)

About you

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!