Overview
We're looking for a motivated Senior Engineer who is passionate about developing the next generation of engineering talent. In this role, you'll help shape, support and guide our Early Careers population - including apprentices, graduates and interns - ensuring they gain the experience, confidence and professional capability needed to succeed within a complex engineering environment within the defence sector.
You'll work closely with internal teams, universities and professional bodies, acting as a key link between the Engineering function and our future talent pipeline.
What You'll Be Doing
Acting as a functional lead for Early Careers groups, providing day‑to‑day support, coaching and structured development guidance.
Ensuring individuals on structured schemes complete their programmes with the right skills, experience and professional readiness.
Carrying out regular progress reviews, one‑to‑one meetings and end‑point assessments.
Coordinating placement rotations and ensuring each individual gains meaningful engineering exposure.
Supporting attraction and outreach activities such as recruitment events, university engagement, open evenings and engineering‑focused campaigns.
Deputising for the Principal Engineer for Early Careers and capability development when required.
Maintaining Early Careers information and resources on internal platforms.
Working with professional engineering institutions to arrange training, awareness sessions and registration support.
Providing guidance to developing engineers outside the Early Careers schemes, particularly around professional registration and progression pathways.
Promoting high standards of professionalism, conduct and time management across the Early Careers community.
What You'll Bring
Understanding of engineering apprenticeship standards and early career development pathways.
Awareness of engineering and project‑related functions within a technical organisation.
Ability to plan, coordinate and support small‑scale projects or activities.
Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
A positive, energetic approach to influencing and encouraging engineering professionalism.
Skills We're Looking For
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting Early Careers talent (advantageous).
Ability to analyse information, plan activities and adapt to changing priorities.
Comfortable working collaboratively across teams and functions.
Confident user of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
