At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of advanced communication systems for Defence & Space.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for industry-recognised training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Systems Engineering or related field; experience in communications essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role Overview
As a Senior Engineering Consultant, you will provide high-level technical leadership and strategic consultancy within our Defence & Space group. You will be the primary authority on the design, integration, and deployment of complex systems such as Communication Networks, RF systems, and Satellite Communications (SatCom). Your role is to ensure that the MOD's Sense, Decide and Effect capabilities are robust and interoperable. You will lead the development of the technical studies and ideas that allow diverse platforms to communicate effectively within a multi-domain battlespace, ensuring that data is treated as a strategic asset through well-defined Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Architecture & Strategy: Lead the design of resilient, secure communication architectures that support multi-domain integration (Air, Land, Sea, and Space).
- Requirements Authority: Own the development and validation of Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) to ensure technical solutions meet the high-intensity needs of the customer.
- Systems Integration: Oversee the integration of new C4ISR hardware and software into existing MOD frameworks, advising on the management of the full system lifecycle from concept - prototyping - in service delivery and through life management.
- Communication Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the lead advisor on all elements of RF Systems management, SatCom Systems management, and Tactical Networking in contested or DIL (Disconnected, Intermittent, Limited) environments.
- Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicate complex technical strategies and trade-offs to senior customer officials, industry partners, and internal leadership.
- Mission-Centric Design: Work closely with end-users to develop and test CONOPS for new systems, ensuring that engineering outputs are operationally viable and intuitive.
Requirements Technical Expertise & Experience
- Communications Expertise: Extensive understanding of RF communications, satellite communication (SatCom), and Tactical Data Links (such as Link 16, Link 22, and VMF). Ability to produce communication link budgets and understand factors such as modulation, coding, channel bandwidth and frequency of operation and how they influence this.
- Good understanding of high capacity communications link key performance metrics applied across line of sight (LOS) and beyond LOS environments.
- Good understanding of adaptable and resilient communication networks including MANET systems and the key performance factors that influence Low Probability of Detection/Interception (LPD/I) within a contested environment.
- Good understanding of the complete end-end system architecture for a communication system including transport through IP networks.
- MOD Frameworks: Extensive experience navigating MOD ways of working, including knowledge of procurement lifecycles and compliance standards such as JSP 453 and DEF STANs.
- Defence Background: Proven track record within the MOD, the defence supply chain, or as ex-military, with a clear understanding of MOD enabling organisations and operational requirements.
- Systems Engineering: A strong grasp of system lifecycle knowledge, prototyping, and usability testing within a rigorous defence engineering environment. Requirements management, system design, integration, test, validation and through life management as examples.
- Ancillary Knowledge: Familiarity with Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (Air, Surface, Underwater) and how these platforms integrate into a wider network (desirable but not the primary focus).
Core Competencies
- Strategic Communication: Ability to convey complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders with clarity and influence.
- Prioritisation & Delivery: Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to lead multiple workstreams and studies to meet stringent project deadlines.
- Technical Governance: Ability to provide technical sign-off for engineering tasks and mentor Senior Consultants within the group.
Requirements
- Security Clearance: Must hold, or be eligible for, UK Security Clearance (SC); Developed Vetting (DV) is preferred.
- Education: Degree in Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Matching pension scheme (up to 5%) from day one
- Discretionary company bonus scheme
- 4 x annual salary Death in Service coverage from day one
- Employee referral scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Private medical Insurance from day one
- Optical and Dental cashback scheme
- Help@Hand app: access to remote GP's, second opinions, mental health support, and physiotherapy
- EAP service
- Cycle to work scheme
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- An extra paid day off for your birthday
- Ten paid learning days per year
- Flexible working hours
- Work from anywhere (up to 3 weeks per year)
- Industry-recognised training and certifications
- Bonusly employee recognition and reward platform
- Clear opportunities for career progression
- Length of service awards
- Regular company events
Diversity and Inclusion
At Qodea we champion diversity and inclusion. We believe that a career in IT should be open to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or neurotype. We value the unique talents and perspectives that each individual brings to our team, and we strive to create a fair and accessible hiring process for all.
Senior Systems Architect - Defence & Space in Portsmouth employer: bynd
At Qodea, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Defence & Space sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive benefits such as a matching pension scheme, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave, we ensure our team members are well-equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Architect - Defence & Space in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence & Space sector, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially around communication networks and RF systems. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work or case studies that highlight your skills in systems integration and technical architecture. We believe that demonstrating your knowledge can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Architect - Defence & Space in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in systems architecture, especially in Defence & Space. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When detailing your experience, focus on your knowledge of RF communications, SatCom, and systems integration. We love seeing specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in these areas, so be as detailed as possible!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll need to convey complex ideas to various stakeholders. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your communication skills. We appreciate candidates who can simplify technical jargon for non-technical audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at bynd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF communications, SatCom, and Tactical Data Links. Be ready to discuss how these systems work together in a multi-domain battlespace and how you can contribute to the design of resilient communication architectures.
✨Understand MOD Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the MOD's ways of working, including procurement lifecycles and compliance standards like JSP 453. Showing that you understand these frameworks will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the complexities of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey your ideas to non-technical stakeholders, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in systems engineering and integration. Discuss specific projects where you’ve led technical studies or managed system lifecycles, as this will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
