Location: Abbey Wood (Hybrid) Rate: Up to £775/day Security Clearance: SC required (UK nationals only) IR35: Inside IR35 Start Date: ASAP End Date: 31/03/2026 (high potential for extension) Application Deadline: 29/01/2026 at 15:00 Role Overview We are seeking a Chief Engineer to lead engineering activity within the One Way Effector (OWE) programme, part of the Lethality and Protect domain. Reporting to the Chief Technical Officer and working alongside the OBI Lead, the role is responsible for establishing a coherent engineering strategy for OWE capability development and delivery. The Chief Engineer will act as Delivery Manager for lead Engineering Managers, supporting the rapid development, testing, trialling and assurance of multiple OWE projects. Key Tasks and Deliverables Develop and maintain the Engineering Strategy and Engineering Management Plan for the One Way Effector programme. Support the Project Manager in developing a Project Mandate and Project Plan to cohere test, trial, evaluation and delivery activity. Engage regulators and subject matter experts to develop and mature regulatory pathways for OWE capability. Support development of the core OWE procurement strategy. Assure technical data provided by suppliers and provide advice to the Chief Technical Officer and Senior Safety Responsible. Integrate and manage project interests across a wide range of stakeholders, including airworthiness authorities and Heads of Establishment. Provide assurance that supplier testing is conducted safely and in accordance with local processes and aviation regulations. Identify and analyse technical hazards and contribute to development of safety artefacts required to enable testing. Essential Skills and Experience Engineering Manager with experience managing development and integration of novel systems. Experience of complex weapons development and testing programmes. Familiarity with DOSR and/or MAA regulations and experience working with regulators. Experience managing teams of mixed skills, including external engineering support. Desirable Skills and Experience Qualifications and/or experience in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) assurance. Experience developing innovative and novel delivery approaches. Experience of competitive equipment selection through demonstrations. Experience managing suppliers through initial and scaled or full-rate production. Additional Information Hybrid working is expected, typically two days per week on site at Abbey Wood, with additional travel to London, supplier premises and UK ranges as required. Overseas travel may be required depending on test range selection.