Security Officer; Development - Security Controller

Security Officer (Development Role - Future Security Controller)

We’re building the UK’s next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high‑pressure settings.

Department: Engineering
Location: Bristol, UK
Compensation: £35,000 – £45,000 / year

This is a unique opportunity to join Rowden and develop into a Security Controller – a critical role ensuring compliance with UK Government security standards across multiple secure sites. You’ll start as a Security Officer with structured training and mentoring from the Security Controller, acting as part of the wider security team and progressing to full Security Controller responsibilities.

• Career Growth: Comprehensive training plan leading to a specialist security leadership position.
• Impact: Help protect sensitive defence projects and national security interests.
• Exposure: Work across physical, personnel, and information security domains.

Clearance: Candidates must be eligible for SC Clearance, with DV preferred. More information about security clearance is available here:

• Support day‑to‑day physical security operations: access control, visitor management, asset protection.
• Maintain accurate security records, establishing a robust audit schedule where needed.
• Help deliver security awareness briefings and promote a strong security culture.
• Maintain logs for incident reporting and support investigations.
• Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders under supervision.

• Manage Security Aspects Letters (SALs) and compliance across projects.
• Oversee vetting sponsorship (SC/DV) and aftercare processes.
• Lead the fit‑out and accreditation of future FSC sites.
• Own Site Security Plans, risk registers, and audit readiness.
• Act as primary liaison with MOD, UKSV, NCSC, and accrediting bodies.
• Lead incident response and assurance activities.

• Experience: Background in security within defence, public services, or other public sector (e.g., policing, civil service, military, or government contractor).
• Skills: Strong attention to detail, integrity, and ability to follow strict procedures.
• Mindset: Enthusiastic, proactive, and keen to learn complex security frameworks.
• Eligibility: UK national or able to meet UKSV residency requirements for SC/DV clearance.

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 of 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 and 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 above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!