At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering activities and ensure compliance across innovative air traffic management projects.
- Company: Join Aquila ATMS, a pioneering joint venture in air traffic management solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of innovation and collaboration in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety and efficiency while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
About Aquila ATMS
At Aquila Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS), we are dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrives. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting‑edge solutions in air traffic management. Join us in shaping the future of air traffic management, and together, we will elevate aviation safety and efficiency worldwide!
The Role
We are looking for a Systems Engineering Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s goals and support the work of the wider team. In this position, you will help deliver key activities that support effective operations, continuous improvement, and positive outcomes for colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Lead and coordinate systems engineering activities across projects, ensuring delivery of compliant solutions aligned to the engineering lifecycle.
- Manage technical risk, compliance and traceability, ensuring adherence to regulatory, safety and governance requirements.
- Oversee engineering delivery against time, cost and quality expectations, including work package definition, planning inputs and subcontractor performance.
- Act as the key technical interface across projects, collaborating with stakeholders, suppliers and multidisciplinary teams to integrate solutions effectively.
- Drive continuous improvement of systems engineering practices, promoting learning, standardisation and innovation across delivery.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll contribute to meaningful work and play a part in helping the organisation achieve its objectives.
About You
You’re a Systems Engineering professional who contributes positively to your team and the wider organisation. You work collaboratively, adapt to different situations, and bring sound judgement to your work. You communicate clearly, build effective working relationships, and approach challenges with a practical, solutions‑focused mindset.
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:
- Relevant experience as a Systems Engineer Manager or in a similar systems engineering or technical role.
- Knowledge of systems engineering principles, lifecycle management and application with regulated or safety‑related environments.
- Experience in delivering engineering activities within project or programme environments, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and technical interfaces.
- The ability to lead and coordinate complex technical work, manage risk, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and ensure delivery to time, cost and quality expectations.
You also:
- Promote Aquila’s Just Culture, reporting incidents, safety non-compliance, or potential issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Consistently demonstrate behaviours aligned with Aquila’s core values and leadership behaviours in all actions and decisions.
What We're Looking For
Essential Criteria
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle management, including application across complex projects.
- Proven experience delivering systems engineering activities within a project or programme environment.
- Knowledge of systems engineering best practice and frameworks within high‑integrity or real‑time systems environments.
- Experience working within a regulated or safety‑critical environment, ensuring compliance with standards and governance.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage technical interfaces effectively.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within Air Traffic Management or a similar complex operational environment.
- Experience delivering large‑scale, multidisciplinary engineering projects involving suppliers or subcontractors.
- Experience in delivering technical solutions into the ministry of defence.
If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have relevant experience, we’d still like to hear from you. We support flexible working arrangements and encourage applications from candidates seeking hybrid roles.
Benefits
Core Benefits
- 201 hours (approx. 27 days) annual leave + 1 Company Day to be used at Christmas (Excluding Bank Holidays) - Prorated for part time contracts
- Time off to volunteer (up to 3 days per annum)
- Company Pension Plan (Aquila contribution = employee contribution + 1%, up to 7%)
- Life Assurance (2x basic salary or up to 8x if in the pension scheme)
- Income Protection
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling
- Company paid Private Medical Insurance (Couple cover)
- Variable Compensation Plan (discretionary bonus)
Flexible Benefits
Through Aquila’s flexible benefits platform, you can tailor your package, including:
- Healthcare Cash Plan options
- Additional PMI cover
- Buy or sell annual leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounts at high street retailers
Family, Wellbeing & Lifestyle
- Enhanced Maternity pay
- Enhanced Paternity leave & pay
- Enhanced Occupational Sick pay
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Recognition through Altair Award
- Employee referral bonus
Security Clearance Statement
Due to the nature of the work that we do, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non‐ITAR country may be considered.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance – United Kingdom Security Vetting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Aquila is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Systems Engineering Manager (LR09) employer: Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited
Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where skilled engineers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and mentorship, particularly for junior engineers, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Located in a pivotal sector of air traffic management, employees benefit from generous leave policies and flexible working options, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Manager (LR09)
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Manager (LR09)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Aquila Air Traffic Management Services Limited, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
