Field Service Engineer - Defence
Location: Horsham or Plymouth
Sector: Defence and security technology
Salary: £40-44,000 Plus Excellent Benefits/ Overtime
Regular overseas travel required, sometimes on short notice.
The purpose of this Field Service Engineer (FSE) role is to provide global field support to customers by ensuring the reliable operation of hardware and software systems, including fire control, electro-optical surveillance, and land/vehicle-based monitoring systems. The role involves installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimisation of complex systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Carry out offsite repairs to systems and equipment
Produce detailed post-visit reports with clear analysis and recommendations
Install and commission new systems at customer sites
Provide aftersales support, servicing, and technical assistance
Conduct strip-down, inspection, repair, and testing of returned equipment
Support sales activities, including demonstrations and customer trials
Prepare and maintain demo and trial equipment
Test and evaluate new technologies (e.g. sensors and cameras) alongside engineering and sales teams
Prepare risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) for installation and commissioning
Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and customer-related activities where required
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within customer support functions
Skills & Experience
Essential:
Experience maintaining and repairing complex electro-optical or similar systems within military or comparable civilian environments
Strong electronics knowledge, including microcontrollers and basic control theory (e.g. servo tuning)
Understanding of radar, optics, and communications systems
Proven fault-finding and diagnostic capability on electronic systems
Solid mechanical and electro-mechanical skills
Proficiency across electrical, mechanical, PC architecture, and software troubleshooting (including updates and configuration)
Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills, with commercial awareness
Comfortable working in challenging environments (land/sea, heights, heavy equipment)
Willingness to travel internationally at short notice and work extended hours where required
Desirable:
Full, clean driving licence (C1 advantageous)
Knowledge of IT architecture
Familiarity with military equipment and procedures
Experience delivering customer training (maintenance and operations)
Previous eligibility for UK Security Clearance
Personal Attributes:
Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work to tight deadlines
Able to work independently and take initiative
Flexible, diligent, and conscientious approach
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Resilient and adaptable mindset
Commitment to continuous professional developmentWork-Life Balance:
37.5-hour working week
Early finish on Fridays
28 days annual leave plus Christmas closure
Holiday purchase schemeBenefits:
Pension with matched contributions up to 5%
Income protection
Employee Assistance Programme (including GP access, mental health support, physio, and second opinions)
Life assurance and bereavement support
Share incentive and savings schemes
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Wellbeing initiatives and employee engagement activities
Gym membership discounts
Employee rewards and discount platform
Referral bonus scheme
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
Free onsite parkingSecurity Clearance:
This role requires eligibility for UK Security Clearance. Successful candidates must provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and typically demonstrate a minimum of five years’ UK residency