At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen airborne radar and advanced targeting systems.
- Company: ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy driving innovation across various sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Join a world-class defence programme and make a real impact on technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in engineering leadership with strong systems engineering skills.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Take the lead in driving next-generation airborne radar and advanced targeting systems. Join a world-class defence programme focused on next-gen sensor and surveillance technologies in a highly collaborative environment. You’ll provide technical leadership and engineering expertise across complex system integration and lifecycle activities. This hands-on, on-site role involves working closely with project managers, customers, and end users to shape solutions. Be a key player in delivering innovative, mission-critical radar capabilities with a global reach.
Location: Edinburgh
Clearance: Must be SC Clearable (UK Passport or long-term residency required)
Experience Level: Lead/Senior level (8+ years)
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead systems engineering activities including system architecture, design, and integration
- Develop and maintain technical specifications and compliance documentation
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system performance meets operational needs
- Guide verification & validation (V&V) processes to ensure system reliability and quality
- Manage engineering lifecycle activities including design reviews and configuration control
- Support customer and stakeholder engagement through technical expertise and solution delivery
Qualifications
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in engineering leadership and managing multidiscipline teams
- Strong technical skills in systems engineering for complex defence or aerospace systems
- Deep understanding of system architecture, integration, and V&V methodologies
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with technical teams and customers
- Experience with engineering lifecycle management and compliance processes
- Pragmatic and solution-focused with a commitment to continuous improvement
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering OR a highly relevant technical background from UK Armed Forces working on Radar technologies
- Must be eligible for UK SC Security Clearance (Minimum 5 Years in the UK)
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with radar, sensor, or surveillance system technologies
- Familiarity with platform integration and operational testing
- Knowledge of safety-critical systems and standards
Why join us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We’re here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- A competitive salary
- Private Medical Insurance
- Pension Scheme
- Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
Lead Systems Engineer | Defence Radar Systems in Edinburgh employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer | Defence Radar Systems in Edinburgh
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a Lead Systems Engineer | Defence Radar Systems. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer | Defence Radar Systems in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
