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- Tasks: Lead engineering standards and ensure technical assurance for national defence projects.
- Company: Join a respected team shaping the future of Defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy stability, competitive salary, and the chance to influence national security.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of mission-critical systems in a dynamic, multi-supplier environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Defence or Aerospace with active SC clearance is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders and shape governance structures.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership and assurance on a high-profile ISTAR programme supporting national defence capabilities. You’ll work across a multi-supplier environment, setting engineering standards, shaping governance structures and influencing long-term technology direction. This role is central to ensuring mission-critical, data-heavy systems are scalable, secure and fit for purpose.
Key responsibilities:
- Set engineering standards and lead on technical assurance.
- Collaborate with the Chief Engineer and Chief Architect on programme strategy.
- Lead on integration, testing, and governance for deployed solutions.
- Support the software factory roadmap and Defence Digital integration.
- Engage senior stakeholders across Defence Digital, the Army, and suppliers.
About you:
- Experience in Defence, Aerospace or secure, complex environments.
- Active SC clearance is essential; DV is a bonus.
- MOD or Defence Prime background is required.
- Strong software engineering background (you won’t be coding, but must be able to review and assess technical quality).
- Familiarity with Kafka, MongoDB, VMWare, API integration and data middleware.
- Confident working with senior stakeholders and acting as a trusted advisor.
Help shape the future of Defence technology and capability. Join a respected team influencing critical national security outcomes. Stability and industry reputation. Competitive basic. Applicants must hold active SC clearance and have the right to work in the UK. If you bring domain expertise and strategic engineering leadership, I want to hear from you.
Lead Engineer employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in Defence and Aerospace. Understanding the current landscape will help you engage in meaningful conversations with senior stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Defence sector, especially those with experience in ISTAR programmes. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading technical assurance and setting engineering standards. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced technology direction in previous roles, as this will showcase your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission, and think about how your background aligns with our goals. Being able to articulate this connection during your discussions will show your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the key technologies mentioned, such as Kafka and MongoDB, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in Defence, Aerospace, or secure environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you set engineering standards or worked with senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic engineering leadership and domain expertise. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence technology direction and ensure system scalability and security.
Highlight Security Clearance: Since active SC clearance is essential for this role, make sure to clearly state your current clearance status in your application. If you have DV clearance, mention that as well, as it could strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Lead Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the technical leadership aspects, integration processes, and governance structures mentioned in the job description. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Even though you won't be coding, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong software engineering background. Be prepared to discuss your experience with technologies like Kafka, MongoDB, and VMWare, and how you've assessed technical quality in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've acted as a trusted advisor and how you navigated complex discussions in past projects.
✨Highlight Your Defence Experience
Given the focus on Defence and Aerospace, be ready to discuss your relevant experience in secure and complex environments. If you have MOD or Defence Prime background, make sure to emphasise this during the interview to showcase your suitability for the role.
