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 annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and support an inclusive workplace for all.
- 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 55000 - 65000 £ 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge of systems engineering best practice and frameworks within high‑integrity or real‑time systems environments.
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 / 218 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 employer: Aquila
Aquila ATMS is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for Systems Engineering Managers to thrive. With generous benefits including extensive annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee well-being, Aquila prioritises the growth and development of its team members. Located in a dynamic sector, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance aviation safety and efficiency on a global scale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Systems Engineering Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Aquila ATMS and understanding their projects. Familiarise yourself with their systems engineering practices and think of examples from your experience that align with their goals. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to translate complex technical concepts into layman’s terms, so grab a friend and do some mock interviews. The clearer you are, the more likely you’ll impress those stakeholders during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in systems engineering. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've led projects or improved processes. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Systems Engineering Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aquila
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles and lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in regulated or safety-critical environments. This will show that you understand the core of what Aquila ATMS is all about.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and managed technical interfaces. Highlight specific instances where you coordinated complex technical work and ensured delivery within time, cost, and quality expectations. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge in a hands-on role.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to translate jargon into layman's terms is key. Think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to discuss how you've driven continuous improvement in your previous roles. Share specific practices or innovations you've implemented that enhanced systems engineering processes. This aligns perfectly with Aquila's focus on learning and standardisation.
