Rowden

Edge computing for defence and security

Product Owner - Customer Product

Product ManagementUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeBristol, UK£50k - £70k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

Experience in a Product Owner or similar role within software development.
Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and working in cross-functional teams.
Proven experience managing the full lifecycle of software products, from ideation to release, with a focus on iterative development and continuous delivery.
Ability to break down requirements into manageable tasks and features while ensuring traceability.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills to bridge technical and non-technical teams.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and guide teams toward a shared product vision.
Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and wireframing tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
Knowledge of Jira and other product management tools for workflow management and sprint planning.
Eligibility for or current possession of SC clearance.
Passion for technology and supporting users, with active investment in skills and abilities.
Ability to balance delivery pace with product rigour and provide constructive input in complex, fast-moving environments.
Analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills, including the ability to translate complex operational needs into clear product decisions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate a vision, document product knowledge, and engage technical and non-technical audiences.
Commitment to mission-focused work and delivering value.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain a prioritised and well-groomed product backlog.
Partner closely with the engineering delivery team, participate in sprint planning, and make decisions when reprioritisation or requirement changes arise.
Act as product owner and champion by setting appropriate product development methods, tools, and techniques.
Collaborate with users, customer stakeholders, and internal teams to shape priorities and keep the product operationally relevant.
Analyse user research and feedback, elicit requirements, and translate operational needs into clear, actionable user stories.
Liaise with customers, users, and internal stakeholders, advocating for both the user and the business.
Monitor and summarise changes in relevant legislation, including MOD standards and export regulations.
Ensure each release is functional, relevant, and ready for its intended operational environment.

Desired Qualifications

Background in public sector, defence, or government settings.
Technical background enabling contribution to technical requirements.
Familiarity with MOD standards and defence acquisition processes.
Prior experience in a fast-paced engineering or technology-driven environment.

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 200 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 role

We’re looking for a user-focused and pragmatic Product Owner to join Rowden, supporting the delivery of mission-critical software applications for operational users. You’ll work at the intersection of product, users, and delivery - defining requirements, shaping priorities, and ensuring outcomes align with user needs.

This role sits at the heart of product decision-making. You will drive the product backlog, work in close partnership with a dedicated software delivery team and collaborate with users and customer stakeholders to shape priorities and ensure each release is functional, relevant, and ready for its intended environment.

Working within a Rowden team and closely with our customers, you will maintain agile delivery processes and ensure the product direction remains aligned with operational requirements. The focus is on outcomes, user value, and ensuring delivery remains coherent and on track.

This role is based in Bristol, with one day a week on site with our customer in Corsham, Wiltshire.

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

Define and maintain a prioritised and well-groomed product backlog.
Work in close partnership with the engineering delivery team, participating in sprint planning and making decisions when re-prioritisation or requirement changes arise.
Act as owner and champion for the product, setting appropriate product development methods, tools, and techniques.
Collaborate with users, customer stakeholders, and internal teams to shape priorities and ensure the product remains operationally relevant.
Analyse user research and feedback, elicit requirements, and translate operational needs into clear, actionable user stories.
Liaise with customers, users, and internal stakeholders, acting as advocate for both the user and the business.
Monitor and summarise changes in relevant legislation, including MOD standards and export regulations.
Ensure each release is functional, relevant, and ready for its intended operational environment.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about technology and supporting users, and who actively invests in their skills and abilities. You will be comfortable balancing delivery pace with product rigour and bringing constructive input to complex, fast-moving environments.

Essential

Experience in a Product Owner or similar role within software development.
Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and working in cross-functional teams.
Proven experience managing the full lifecycle of software products, from ideation to release, with a focus on iterative development and continuous delivery.
Demonstrated ability to break down requirements into manageable tasks and features, ensuring traceability.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide teams toward a shared product vision.
Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and wireframing tools (e.g. Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
Knowledge of Jira and other product management tools for workflow management and sprint planning.
Eligible for or already hold SC clearance.

Desirable (not essential)

Background in public sector, defence, or government settings.
A technical background that allows you to help shape technical requirements.
Familiarity with MOD standards and defence acquisition processes.
Prior experience in a fast-paced engineering or technology-driven environment.

About you

You are passionate about technology and creating products that people want to use.
You put the user first, creating experiences that help people work effectively in demanding environments.
You are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable dealing with ambiguity and evolving requirements.
You have strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills, and you can translate complex operational needs into clear product decisions.
You have strong written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable articulating your vision, documenting product knowledge, and engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences.
You are mission-focused and committed to delivering value where it matters.

About the Company

Rowden

Edge computing for defence and security

Rowden Technologies designs and delivers mission-critical edge computing and distributed sensor systems for environments with limited or unreliable connectivity. It handles end-to-end design, integration, sovereign manufacturing, and long-term managed services to support defence, national security, and emergency services. Its products include Trove for frontline generative AI, Magos for cost-effective signal processing and communications production, and Dovetail for modular edge-system integration, enabling rapid, secure decision-making even in denied environments. The company differentiates itself by prioritizing edge solutions with low connectivity, acting as a prime systems integrator for large programmes, offering sovereign manufacturing and lifecycle support, and pursuing projects like automated ML deployment to UAS for AUKUS Pillar II to reduce dependence on traditional defence contractors.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $33.7M
Headquarters: Filton, United Kingdom
Founded: 2017

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