Principal Systems Engineer
Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom
Thales provides armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. We research, develop, and supply technologies that impact millions of lives, improving safety and excellence across Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. We support flexible working patterns and put your health and well‑being first.
Primary Purpose of the Role
Lead the Systems Engineering process to company and international standards for a major underwater sensor systems project, managing a team of engineers and exercising systems engineering decision authority.
Principal Relationships
* Engineers at all levels
* Bid team members
* Project team members
* Testing team members
* Installation team members
* Project Planners
* Sales and Marketing
* Supply Chain
* Commercial
* Major Stakeholders / Client
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
* Develop and manage requirements specifications at both the system and subsystem levels.
* Demonstrate a solid understanding of the development lifecycle and lifecycle products.
* Interface with clients to define the content and format of test specifications.
* Define and authorise test specifications.
* Conduct impact analysis and manage variations.
* Ensure compliance with customer requirements and resolve related issues.
* Define and authorise design descriptions and verification requirements.
* Provide technical advice to the Engineering Group Manager on technical matters and management issues pertaining to the Systems Engineering Group.
* Offer technical direction and leadership to the Systems Engineering community.
* Engage with key stakeholders effectively.
* Establish and maintain a structured Systems Engineering process and activities.
* Provide detailed technical specifications.
* Offer assistance and guidance to Project Systems Engineers regarding their responsibilities and design decisions.
* Prepare resource plans and budgets for the Systems Engineering Group, managing the budget to ensure project objectives are met within financial constraints.
* Approve estimates for project activities and manage the Systems Engineering Group to ensure work is completed on time and within budget.
* Develop and train Systems Engineering personnel to ensure a qualified staff is available to perform and lead the design and requirements development for projects and products, including acceptance requirements.
* Represent the Systems Engineering Group on the change control committee, reviewing change proposals and approving Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) on behalf of the engineering department.
* Stay informed of technical developments both within and outside of the company.
* Identify training, development, and performance needs through the Annual Check‑in and Development Check‑in processes for the Systems Engineering community under your supervision.
* Assist the Engineering Group Manager in strengthening the engineering capabilities of the team.
Key Performance Indicators
* Financial performance of the System Engineering team under your control.
* Timely delivery of team objectives, appraisals and development actions.
* Quality of work produced against agreed standards.
* Delivery to timescales.
* Delivery to budget.
* Performance against Thales key values.
Expected Competence Level
Skills
* Able to use a range of IT tools.
* Has a sound ability to use Systems Engineering tools (e.g. DOORS, Polarion, MBSE, JIRA etc.).
* Has knowledge of configuration control processes.
* Can manage a complex project through a defined design process and tailor CHORUS2 to project needs.
* Can define and use metrics as part of quality assurance and control change to re‑model a Systems Engineering process.
* A working knowledge of project plans.
* Has knowledge of Engineering Safety Management.
Experience
* Proven record of working in a Systems Engineering Management function, resolving all issues, problems, questions and conflicts throughout the system.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels in the spoken and written word.
* Evidence of team working and the ability to work under pressure.
Values & Behaviours
* Think Big
o Imagine the Future: See ahead to design new, different and simplified solutions that anticipate and address tomorrow’s business needs and challenges.
o Inspire to Engage: Share a compelling vision, lead with integrity and engage stakeholders.
* Make It Happen
o Deliver User‑centric Solutions: Create customer intimacy, listen fully and be accountable for creating value for the client and for Thales.
o Act with Agility: Challenge the status quo, take smart risks and foster continuous improvement.
* Together
o Grow Others and Self: Invest energy to develop self and others, ensuring individual and organisational potential is maximised.
o Include Others: Empower others, embrace diversity in partnering beyond organisational boundaries to achieve common goals.
Desirable Qualifications and Certification
* HND / Engineering Degree or equivalent (including UK national vocational qualifications).
Essential
* Eligible for SC clearance (UKSV National Security Vetting Solution guidance).
* Attained or working towards an appropriate professional status (CEng or equivalent).
* Holder cannot have dual citizenship.
Financial / Budgetary Responsibility
* The post holder will be expected to deliver designs/projects to an agreed budget.
Security and Eligibility
* Candidates will provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance and further evidence.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
#J-18808-Ljbffr