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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of next-gen electronic systems for innovative non-combustible products.
- Company: Join British American Tobacco, a global leader in creating a smokeless world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, flexible holidays, and diverse health plans.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity and growth opportunities in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedded systems and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a System Engineering Manager in Southampton. This role is responsible for defining and leading the electronic system architecture for next‑generation non‑combustible cigarette products. Acting at system level, it translates functional requirements into robust technical solutions, drives cross‑disciplinary integration (electronics, firmware, battery, sensors, heaters, mechanics), and delivers scalable architectures that enable innovation, performance, and reliable product delivery across current and future propositions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Functional Requirements for H2/H3 propositions and translate them into actionable Technical Requirements.
- Define and maintain the Electronic System Architecture, ensuring compliance with product and regulatory standards.
- Plan and lead all aspects of Tech Block projects, ensuring each block meets its technical objectives and integrates seamlessly.
- Run system integration activities, validating performance across all subsystems (EE, firmware, battery, heaters, sensors, mechanical).
- Provide technical leadership to two direct reports and mentor multi-functional teams.
- Collaborate with programme managers, product teams, and external partners to align architecture with business goals.
- Ensure risk management, quality assurance, and alignment to timelines throughout the development lifecycle.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps for Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 initiatives.
What we’re looking for
- Confirmed experience in embedded electronic system design and system architecture, including microcontrollers, sensors, power management, and firmware–hardware interaction.
- Strong expertise in sensing technologies and heater develop/control, with a track record of delivering design wins and new concepts through Technology Blocks.
- Experience adapting and integrating firmware in line with established platforms, combined with knowledge of battery management systems, heater drivers, and sensor control mechanisms.
- System-level thinking with the ability to translate functional requirements into technical solutions, handle requirement traceability, and address mechanical–electrical integration challenges.
- Leadership and delivery capability in multi-functional environments, including stakeholder management, risk assessment, project planning, and alignment with architecture, functional safety, and compliance frameworks (H1/H2/H3 awareness desirable).
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electronic Engineering or Physics (related fields required), or an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience or higher in Technology Management is desirable.
Beneficial
- Exposure to agile development methodologies, rapid prototyping, and hardware validation processes, including collaboration with external suppliers.
- Strong systems-thinking capability, with familiarity in regulatory standards for consumer electronics and end-to-end requirement traceability across subject areas.
What we offer you
We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility). Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives. Your journey with us isn’t limited by boundaries; it’s propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn’t just a statement – it’s a reality we’re eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here. You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills. We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
Why join BAT
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions. At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio‑economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives. We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture. Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.
System Engineering Manager in Southampton employer: BAT
Contact Detail:
BAT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land System Engineering Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission and values, especially around creating a smokeless world. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Focus on articulating your experience in system architecture and how it aligns with the role of System Engineering Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our journey at BAT.
We think you need these skills to ace System Engineering Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in embedded electronic system design and system architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role of System Engineering Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves providing technical leadership and mentoring, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve managed cross-disciplinary integration.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAT
✨Know Your Systems Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of embedded electronic system design and architecture. Brush up on microcontrollers, sensors, and power management, as well as how firmware interacts with hardware. This knowledge will help you confidently discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in multi-functional environments. Think about times when you've mentored teams or managed projects, and be ready to discuss how you ensured alignment with technical objectives and compliance standards.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Prepare to explain how you've translated functional requirements into actionable technical solutions in past projects. Familiarise yourself with risk management and quality assurance processes, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Align with Their Vision
BAT is all about creating A Better Tomorrow™. Research their current initiatives and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in developing non-combustible products. Showing that you understand and resonate with their mission will set you apart from other candidates.