At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical development of critical defence systems and ensure their reliability and safety.
- Company: World-class leader in defence systems with a warm, inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible leave, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence technology while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical leadership and strong systems engineering background required.
Location: Bristol or Stevenage (Hybrid – 3–4 days per week on-site)
Salary: Up to £57,000 per annum (depending on experience) - Permanent
Benefits: Bonus, overtime, pension up to 14%, 15 flexi-days, enhanced parental leave, and more
Clearance Required: British citizen or dual national with British citizenship
Sector: Defence / Engineering / Electronics
Overview: We’re supporting a leading defence organisation in their search for an experienced Equipment Design Authority to oversee the Launch Management System (LMS) on two major UK defence programmes. This is a vital leadership role, combining systems thinking with technical breadth across software, electronics, and hardware design. You will ensure that LMS products are technically sound, fully certified, and continually evolving to meet the high standards of performance, safety, and reliability demanded by global defence stakeholders.
The Role – Equipment Design Authority: As the Design Authority, you will be the technical guardian of the LMS — a system critical to the safe and reliable launch of missile systems. You’ll work across a wide range of disciplines to ensure the successful delivery, certification, and in-service support of this essential capability.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the technical development and lifecycle evolution of the LMS
- Ensuring design integrity, verification, validation, and certification
- Managing technical risks, issues, and design improvements
- Collaborating with stakeholders across systems, software, mechanical, and support engineering
- Supporting future LMS enhancements to meet customer capability needs
Skills and Experience Required:
- Experience in technical leadership of complex electronics subsystems
- Strong systems engineering and requirements engineering background
- Familiarity with the full lifecycle of software and hardware product development
- Ability to guide certification and test validation processes
- Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships across engineering domains
- A broad technical appreciation – including design, development, support, and safety
Benefits Include:
- Annual bonus: Up to £2,500 (subject to company performance)
- Pension: Up to 14% combined employer/employee contribution
- Overtime & Flexible Leave: Up to 15 additional flexi-days annually, Overtime X1.25
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Including adoption, paternity, fertility treatment, and neonatal care
- Excellent Facilities: On-site subsidised meals, free parking, and more
- Flexible Working: Hybrid model supporting work–life balance
About the company: The business is a world class leader in the design, development and manufacture of Land, Air and Marine based defence systems. They have a very warm and welcoming culture, are an inclusive business promoting internal networking amongst groups from neurodiversity, ethnic diversity through to gender equality. They are a three-time gold investor in people award winner and a leader in championing women in engineering.
Additional Information: Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals with British citizenship. Security clearance checks will be required following an offer.
Apply now to take your engineering career to the next level and help shape the future of defence technology.
Equipment Design Authority (RF) employer: Cirrus Selection Limited
Join a world-class leader in defence systems design and development, where your role as Equipment Design Authority will be pivotal in shaping the future of missile launch technology. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth within a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equipment Design Authority (RF)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and engineering sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s projects and values, especially around the Launch Management System. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and showcase your technical leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Focus on articulating your experience in systems engineering and how you’ve tackled complex electronics subsystems in the past.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Equipment Design Authority (RF)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Equipment Design Authority role. Highlight your experience in technical leadership and systems engineering, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing complex electronics subsystems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about defence technology and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your familiarity with the full lifecycle of software and hardware product development.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Effective communication is crucial for this role. In your application, demonstrate how you've built relationships across different engineering domains. We want to see that you can collaborate well with various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cirrus Selection Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to electronics subsystems and systems engineering. Be prepared to discuss your experience with the full lifecycle of software and hardware product development, as this will be crucial for the Equipment Design Authority role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong technical leadership, so think of examples where you've successfully led projects or teams. Be ready to explain how you managed technical risks and issues, and how you ensured design integrity and certification in past roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be collaborating with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Highlight your ability to build relationships across different engineering domains, as effective communication is key in this position.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and culture, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this environment and support their initiatives, such as promoting women in engineering.
