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- Tasks: Lead engineering work for a complex defence project, managing customer relationships and project scope.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the defence sector, known for delivering high-quality systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, with 2-3 days onsite and some travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful defence projects while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and the defence sector is essential; strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape the future of defence technology.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to manage and drive engineering work across the full lifecycle for a high profile, complex defence project. This role will be key in ensuring effective customer management, scope control, and delivering high-quality outputs aligned with the expectations of the customer. If you are a proactive, commercial-minded engineer with a track record in systems engineering, this is an exciting opportunity for you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customer and Scope Management: Manage customer relationships and expectations to prevent unapproved scopes, ensuring that all project requirements are aligned and approved.
- Systems Engineering Leadership: Lead and define Systems Engineering tasks, including the creation of clear Definition of Done (DoD) criteria and ensuring deliverables meet these standards.
- Full Lifecycle Management: Oversee all stages of the system development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, VCRI, design modifications, full system integration, and formal acceptance.
- Complex Systems Delivery: Apply broad experience in delivering complex systems to defence customers, ensuring all technical and contractual requirements are met.
- Documentation Expertise: Write and review formal engineering documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
- Initiative and Problem Solving: Take initiative in problem-solving and proactively address any challenges, especially in dynamic and changing environments.
- Adaptability: Remain effective and efficient in ambiguous or evolving situations, providing clear direction when needed.
Essential Qualifications & Skills:
- Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of commercial aspects, with the ability to manage customer expectations and business priorities.
- Systems Engineering Experience: Proven experience across the full systems development lifecycle.
- Defence Sector Expertise: Demonstrated ability to deliver complex systems to defence customers, particularly in regulated and high-stakes environments.
- Documentation Skills: Experience in creating high-quality, formal engineering documentation tailored for specific customers.
- Self-Starter: A pragmatic, proactive approach, with a high level of resilience and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to confidently raise issues and manage scope changes or project challenges effectively.
Role Location & Details:
- Hybrid Work: Onsite at Greenford or Weymouth, 2-3 days per week with some UK travel.
If you are ready to take on a challenging leadership role and contribute to exciting defence projects, please apply or reach out for more detail!
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer in West London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience in systems engineering. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in systems engineering, particularly those related to defence projects. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed customer relationships and scope changes. Highlighting these instances will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects to align your discussion points during any interviews. Showing that you understand our mission and how your skills can contribute will make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer in West London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in systems engineering, particularly in the defence sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial awareness and problem-solving skills. Mention specific examples of how you've managed customer expectations and delivered complex systems in previous roles.
Highlight Documentation Skills: Since documentation expertise is crucial for this role, include examples of formal engineering documentation you have written or reviewed. Ensure you demonstrate your attention to detail and compliance with industry standards.
Showcase Adaptability: In your application, provide instances where you've successfully navigated ambiguous situations or changing priorities. This will illustrate your ability to remain effective in dynamic environments, which is key for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Showcase Your Systems Engineering Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience across the full systems development lifecycle. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed complex systems, particularly in the defence sector, and how you ensured all technical and contractual requirements were met.
✨Demonstrate Customer Management Skills
Since customer and scope management is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively managed customer relationships and expectations in previous positions. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you navigated them to maintain project alignment.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you handle challenges in dynamic environments. Prepare a few scenarios where you took the initiative to solve problems or adapt to changing priorities, showcasing your resilience and proactive approach.
✨Highlight Your Documentation Skills
As documentation expertise is essential, be ready to discuss your experience in writing and reviewing formal engineering documentation. Bring examples that demonstrate your attention to detail and compliance with industry standards, tailored for specific customers.
