Defence & Security
Armed Forces Officer
Armed Forces Officers lead military personnel, plan operations and manage resources to protect national security both in the UK and overseas.
Read career guideCareer pathway
Defence & Security careers
Defence & Security includes a range of careers with different entry routes, work environments and progression opportunities. Explore the roles below to see which directions are worth researching further.
24 careers to explore
Entry routes, skills and progression
Useful subjects
Subjects that appear across Defence & Security careers
These subjects appear frequently across the career guides in this pathway. They are useful signals, not fixed requirements for every role.
Explore careers in Defence & Security
Open a career guide to see what the job involves, common ways to get started, useful subjects, skills and possible progression.
Defence & Security
Counter Terrorism Officer
Counter Terrorism Officers investigate terrorist threats, gather intelligence and work with national security partners to protect the public.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Commercial Manager
Defence Commercial Managers oversee major defence contracts, supplier relationships and commercial negotiations throughout complex programmes.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Cyber Security Analyst
Defence Cyber Security Analysts protect military and government systems from cyber attacks by monitoring networks, identifying threats and responding to incidents.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Data Scientist
Defence Data Scientists analyse large datasets to improve operational planning, logistics, intelligence and national security decision making.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Engineer
Defence Engineers design, develop, test and maintain military equipment, vehicles, communications systems and advanced defence technologies.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Intelligence Analyst
Defence Intelligence Analysts collect, interpret and assess information to support military planning, national security and government decision making.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Logistics Officer
Defence Logistics Officers coordinate the movement of personnel, equipment, vehicles and supplies to support military operations around the world.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Procurement Manager
Defence Procurement Managers purchase equipment, technology and services that support military capability while ensuring value for money and compliance.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Project Manager
Defence Project Managers oversee complex engineering and technology programmes, ensuring projects are delivered safely, securely and on schedule.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Risk Manager
Defence Risk Managers identify, assess and reduce operational, security and programme risks across defence projects and military operations.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Robotics Engineer
Defence Robotics Engineers develop autonomous robots and remotely operated systems that support military operations in hazardous environments.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Defence Software Engineer
Defence Software Engineers develop secure software used in military vehicles, aircraft, naval systems, communications and command platforms.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Drone Systems Engineer
Drone Systems Engineers design, develop and integrate uncrewed aerial systems used for reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics and defence operations.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Electronic Warfare Specialist
Electronic Warfare Specialists use advanced technology to detect, analyse and counter hostile communications, radar and electronic systems.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Explosive Ordnance Engineer
Explosive Ordnance Engineers design, test and maintain military munitions and explosive systems while ensuring they meet strict safety and operational standards.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Military Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Military Aircraft Maintenance Engineers inspect, maintain and repair military aircraft to ensure they remain safe and mission ready.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Naval Architect (Defence)
Naval Architects design military ships, submarines and maritime defence systems to ensure they are safe, efficient and operationally effective.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Security Clearance Investigator
Security Clearance Investigators assess individuals for national security clearance by conducting background checks, interviews and risk assessments.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Security Consultant
Security Consultants advise organisations on protecting people, buildings, information and operations from physical and security threats.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Security Systems Engineer
Security Systems Engineers design, integrate and support complex defence systems including surveillance, communications, sensors and command platforms.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Signals Intelligence Analyst
Signals Intelligence Analysts analyse communications and electronic signals to support military operations and national security.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Surveillance Systems Engineer
Surveillance Systems Engineers develop radar, sensor and surveillance technologies that help military and security organisations detect and monitor potential threats.
Read career guideDefence & Security
Weapons Systems Engineer
Weapons Systems Engineers design, integrate and support advanced military weapons systems, ensuring they perform safely, reliably and effectively.
Read career guideKeep exploring
Related career pathways
These pathways share useful subjects with Defence & Security and can be worth comparing.
Which careers might suit you?
Complete the free assessment to compare your interests, subjects, preferred activities and route with careers across the full catalogue.