Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager or Senior Systems Engineer to lead the definition, assurance, testing and evaluation of a novel weapons capability within a complex defence environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for requirements development, verification, validation, test planning and technical assurance activities whilst working closely with stakeholders, regulators, safety authorities and industry suppliers to deliver a safe, secure and operationally effective capability.
This is a highly influential role requiring someone capable of integrating technical, safety, regulatory and programme interests whilst maintaining delivery momentum through development, experimentation, trials and evaluation activities.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements and Systems Definition
Lead the development of technical requirements and system definition activities, ensuring stakeholder needs are translated into clear, testable and verifiable engineering requirements. Establish and maintain a coherent technical baseline that supports supplier delivery, acceptance activities and risk management throughout the programme lifecycle.
Test, Verification and Evaluation
Plan, coordinate and assure verification, validation, test and evaluation activities, including the development of SRDs, ITEAPs and supporting engineering documentation. Ensure testing provides objective evidence of capability performance and supports informed programme decisions.
Technical Assurance
Review, challenge and assure supplier technical evidence, engineering artefacts and supporting data. Provide informed technical advice to senior engineering, technical and safety stakeholders to support governance, approvals and programme decision-making.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Identify technical hazards, contribute to safety artefacts and support the development of evidence required to enable trials and testing. Ensure testing activities are conducted safely and in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, local processes and approval requirements.
Stakeholder Management
Integrate project interests across a broad stakeholder community including engineering authorities, safety organisations, airworthiness authorities, heads of establishment, suppliers and trial organisations. Build collaborative relationships whilst maintaining independent technical judgement.
Engineering Strategy and Road mapping
Develop engineering management plans and future capability roadmaps that support progression from experimentation and demonstration activities through to mature operational deployment.
Essential Experience
Engineering management experience within complex defence, aerospace or safety-critical programmes.
Experience leading the development and integration of novel systems.
Experience supporting complex weapons development, trials or testing programmes.
Experience planning and delivering verification, validation and evaluation activities.
Familiarity with aviation regulations and working with regulatory authorities.
Strong systems engineering background across the engineering lifecycle.
Experience reviewing and assuring supplier technical deliverables.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Desirable Experience
Experience developing innovative or non-traditional delivery approaches.
Experience supporting equipment demonstrations, competitive evaluations or technology down-selection activities.
Experience managing suppliers through development, demonstration and production phases.
Experience within weapons, aerospace, aviation or advanced technology programmes.
