This isnt a role for someone who wants to oversee from a distance. Were looking for a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to step into the role of System Design Authority on a major, complex programme — leading a multi-disciplinary team through the full lifecycle, from system design and development through to integration, test and customer acceptance.
The work centres on specialist sensor systems, with a portfolio that also spans communications solutions, position, navigation and timing systems, and signal processing firmware and software. Currently focused on maritime, with real potential to grow into other domains.
Youll be the most senior technical voice on the project — providing governance, mentoring junior engineers, supporting the Project Manager, and engaging directly with MOD and industry stakeholders.
What youll be doing:
* Leading system design, implementation, integration and acceptance for complex defence programmes
* Acting as technical authority for a multi-disciplinary engineering team (hardware, software, firmware, mechanical)
* Conducting engineering design reviews with project teams and customers
* Liaising and collaborating with MOD, industry partners and other key stakeholders
* Supporting R&D activities including customer-funded studies and prototype development
* Contributing to technical proposals and business development activities
* Producing and presenting technical papers and reports to senior audiences
* Mentoring and developing junior engineers
* Identifying opportunities for system enhancements and roadmap development
* Providing expert technical advice to Senior Management and the MD
What youll need:
* In-depth knowledge and experience in defence and systems engineering
* Proven track record of delivering complex system design, integration and test — particularly in the communications domain
* Strong technical leadership experience within project teams
* Ability to present complex ideas clearly at all levels — internal and external
* Innovative, analytical problem-solving skills
* Ability to work independently and across multi-site teams
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Composure and effectiveness under pressure
* Willingness to undertake short periods of detached duty when required
* Ability to attain DV UK security clearance
* Engineering degree (or equivalent)
* Full UK driving licence
* Ability to travel within the UK and internationally on occasion
What youll get:
✅ Flexible working around core hours — no rigid 9–5 ✅ Paid overtime or TOIL — up to 24 extra days per year ✅ Private medical — 50+ clinics and hospitals nationwide ✅ Competitive employer pension contribution ✅ Salary sacrifice — EV cars, tech, bikes, Microsoft 365 and more ✅ Company kit — laptop, mobile, home office equipment ✅ Holiday closedown over Christmas and New Year ✅ Relocation package available ✅ Clear progression path — Senior → Principal Engineer → Technical Director ✅ Real technical ownership — not just another cog in a large machine