At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop teams working on cutting-edge defence technology projects.
- Company: Join Airbus Defence and Space, a leader in innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible hours, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic R&D environment with opportunities for personal growth and international mobility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of space and maritime defence while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Some UK travel to Airbus sites and rare supplier visits
LOCATION: Portsmouth OR Stevenage (60% of your working week must be office based)
TYPE: Full time
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
- Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)
- Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
- Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
- Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)
This role will suit someone who is a Team Leader, Senior Systems Engineer or Head Of who wants to progress their career. Supported by a collaborative peer group and other supporting functions in a dynamic and Agile, R&D environment.
This is a high visibility key role where you will be supporting a team of ~30 R&D technical Engineers split into 2 teams (Maritime terminals and Software Defined Radio (SDR). You and your team will be working on creating the future of highly classified and highly technical products that’ll shape the future of Space, land and maritime defence domains.
We are looking for someone who is genuinely comfortable in the ever changing environment that is R&D. Who is passionate and believes in delivering on commitments, protecting projects integrity and ensuring projects stay on track, OTOCOQ with a strong customer delivery focus.
About you
- ONE of the following domain knowledge: SATCOM / Telecoms / Ground segment or Terminal Design, Ground Segments covering Secure Satellite Communications (MILSATCom)
- Strong leadership, with a focus on developing and championing your teams
- Experience with V Model, Agile and leading programmes
How you will Contribute to the team
- Focus on the overall bigger picture whilst leading and developing 2 teams of Engineers. Champion and represent your 2 teams in MFT meetings
- Drive development, refinement and sustainment of SDR and Maritime Terminal products that can be reused in current and future projects
- Team resource management including support to HR processes (training, goals setting and performance evaluation, team review, development talk/plan), elaborate recruiting plan in line with business needs and finance controlling for both productive (OP process) and unproductive hours and costs.
- Ensure that needed competences, tools and processes are in place to support the development of products according to the market, customers’ and End Users needs.
- Work closely with the Project team to ensure Roadmaps, Schedules, assessments, cost/risk estimates and delivery commitments are met
Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.
How we can support you
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Professional
Job Family: Sub-system development
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Head of Systems in Portsmouth employer: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Airbus Defence and Space Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Portsmouth or Stevenage. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, personal development, and flexible working arrangements, employees benefit from competitive financial rewards, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for career progression within a collaborative R&D setting. Join us to be part of a team that shapes the future of defence technology while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Airbus or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in SATCOM and Telecoms. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear how you've developed teams and tackled challenges. Use the STAR method to structure your answers and keep it engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and company culture there.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Systems role. Highlight your experience in SATCOM, Telecoms, or Ground Segment design, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about R&D and how you can contribute to our teams. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love that!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who can develop and champion their teams, so share examples of how you've done this in the past. It’s all about showing us your people skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SATCOM, Telecoms, and Ground Segment design. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the development of Maritime Terminal products.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Discuss how you’ve developed team members and driven projects forward, especially in dynamic R&D environments.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Be prepared to talk about how you approach project management and resource allocation. Show that you can think strategically about product development and how it fits into the overall goals of the company.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come equipped with questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, current projects, and how they measure success in this position. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.
