Overview
You will lead two R&D engineering teams in a high-visibility, highly technical environment focused on SDR and Maritime Terminal products. Working within Airbus Defence and Space, you help shape the future of space, land and maritime defence by aligning roadmaps, delivery commitments and technical strategies with customer needs. You drive development and sustainment activities while fostering talent and cross-functional collaboration in an agile context. This role offers exposure to classified programs and international opportunities, with a strong emphasis on delivery integrity and stakeholder impact.
Pay / Benefits
- hybrid working
- 37 hour week
- profit share
- pension
- car leasing scheme
- health and wellbeing programs
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop two engineering teams (~30 engineers) across SDR and Maritime Terminal domains
- Drive development, refinement and sustainment of reusable terminal products
- Manage resources, HR processes (training, goals, performance evaluations) and recruitment planning
- Ensure competencies, tools, and processes align with market and end-user needs
- Collaborate with Project team to meet roadmaps, schedules, cost/risk estimates and delivery commitments
- Represent and advocate for teams in MFT meetings and broader program governance
- Work with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and project integrity in an ever-changing R&D environment
Key requirements
- Domain knowledge in SAT COM / Telecoms / Ground segment or Terminal Design; Ground Segments covering MILSATCom
- Strong leadership and people development capabilities
- Experience with V-Model, Agile and leading programmes
- Ability to manage multi-team resources and drive cross-functional collaboration
- leadership
- communication
- stakeholder management
- SDR and Maritime Terminal product knowledge
- V-Model and Agile project management
- roadmap and risk management
Head of Terminal Design and SDR in Portsmouth employer: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth, Stevenage, or Newport, where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on work-life balance, competitive financial rewards, and extensive personal development opportunities, Airbus fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member can grow and succeed in their career while enjoying a fulfilling life outside of work.
