Head of system engineering
Head of system engineering

Head of system engineering

Luton Full-Time 130000 - 180000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development and upgrade of advanced defense systems in a collaborative environment.
  • Company: Join a cutting-edge defense technology company focused on innovative air combat solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rate, flexible onsite work, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
  • Why this job: Be part of a multidisciplinary team shaping the future of defense technology with real-world impact.
  • Qualifications: Must be a UK National with strong systems engineering experience and proficiency in IBM DOORS.
  • Other info: This is a 12-month contract role requiring SC Clearance for UK-caveated programs.

The predicted salary is between 130000 - 180000 £ per year.

Principal Systems Engineer – Future Combat Air
~12 month contract
~ Luton (3 days onsite)
~£65ph (Inside IR35)

** Please note we can only consider sole UK Nationals (no dual nationalities)**

This role will focus on the development and upgrade of the Praetorian DASS (Defensive Aids SubSystems) products. The role entails applying knowledge and experience of systems engineering to support the specification, design, development, integration and testing of these systems.

Our Systems Engineers work in multidisciplinary teams spanning a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system.

Key responsibilities – Principal Systems Engineer

Work alongside internal stakeholders to understand user needs and requirements with which to define and influence system requirements and designs, ensuring traceability for design compliance and acceptance.
Develop and run test strategies to demonstrate design and implementation compliance, ensuring end-to-end traceability to achieve certification.
Support system integration, verification, and validation activities to test and analyse performance and effectiveness.
Develop and deliver engineering specifications, reports and presentations.

Your Skills and Experience – Principal Systems Engineer

A solid foundation in a relevant technical domain exploited in an EW systems context/application.
High proficiency in requirements generation and management using IBM DOORS.
Experience of authoring detailed design artefacts in support of requirements specifications.
Good understanding of design compliance and acceptance criteria relating to requirements and architecture progressive verification and validation at varying stages of maturity.
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles across the development lifecycle.
Previous experience of technical leadership of complex products.
Ability to perform effective interface control management, both in terms of application and derivation, at a sub-system, system and system-of-system levels including the generation of interface control documents.
Self-motivated with an aptitude for problem solving and driving challenging issues to a conclusion alongside excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to obtain SC Clearance for UK-caveated programmes.

Head of system engineering employer: CBSbutler

As a leading employer in the defense sector, we offer an exciting opportunity for the Head of System Engineering role in Luton, where you will be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing you with the chance to work alongside talented multidisciplinary teams. With competitive pay and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that your contributions are recognized and rewarded, making this a meaningful and fulfilling place to advance your career.
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Contact Detail:

CBSbutler Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of system engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific technologies and systems used in Electronic Warfare (EW) applications. Understanding the Praetorian DASS products and their functionalities will give you a significant edge during discussions with our team.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience with IBM DOORS in your conversations. Since proficiency in requirements generation and management is crucial for this role, showcasing your expertise in this area can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in technical leadership roles. We value candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead complex projects and manage multidisciplinary teams effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who can tackle challenging issues head-on, so think of examples where you've successfully resolved complex problems in past projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of system engineering

Systems Engineering Principles
Requirements Generation and Management
IBM DOORS Proficiency
Design Artefacts Authoring
Design Compliance and Acceptance Criteria
Verification and Validation Techniques
Technical Leadership
Interface Control Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Excellent Written Communication
Verbal Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Self-Motivated
Ability to Obtain SC Clearance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Systems Engineer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in systems engineering, particularly in the context of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. Provide specific examples of projects where you have applied your knowledge in requirements generation, design compliance, and system integration.

Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency with tools like IBM DOORS and any other relevant software or methodologies. Mention your experience in authoring design artifacts and managing requirements, as these are crucial for the role.

Prepare for Presentation: Since the role involves delivering engineering specifications and presentations, consider including a brief example of a past presentation or report you created. This can demonstrate your communication skills and ability to convey complex information effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the development and upgrade of systems like the Praetorian DASS.

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Highlight your proficiency in systems engineering principles, especially in an EW systems context. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed requirements using tools like IBM DOORS.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them. This will showcase your self-motivation and aptitude for driving complex issues to resolution.

✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions

Since the role involves technical leadership, be ready to talk about your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and how you ensure effective interface control management across various system levels.

Head of system engineering
CBSbutler
C
  • Head of system engineering

    Luton
    Full-Time
    130000 - 180000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-19

  • C

    CBSbutler

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