Senior Missions Systems Engineer in Retford

DEA is looking for a Senior Mission Systems Engineer to serve as a technical focal point for our Mission Systems department. This role is designed for a leader who excels at translating complex mission requirements into functional, model-based architectures while maintaining a "hands‑on" understanding of electronics and system builds. Responsible for leading the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and assisting the Mission Systems Operations Manager and their deputy with the management of a multidisciplinary team to deliver robust, high‑reliability hardware and software systems. This coupled with maintaining the operational tempo of the current Mission Systems deployed on ISR contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing diagnostics and first‑line maintenance on a variety of airborne radar, electro‑optic and radio frequency sensors, mission computers, datalinks (SATCOM and line‑of‑sight), onboard operator consoles and ground stations.
• Lead MBSE Implementation: Drive the transition from traditional document‑based engineering to a model‑centric environment. Owning the system model (SysML) and ensuring it serves as the "single source of truth" for the entire project lifecycle.
• Team Leadership & Management: Lead a team of Mission Systems Engineers, Technicians and Designers. Responsible for assisting career development, project resourcing, and maintaining a high standard of technical excellence across the team.
• System Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full "V-model" lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements derivation to system integration, verification, and validation (V&V).
• Electronics Oversight: Provide technical guidance on electronic hardware development, ensuring that system‑level requirements for power, thermal management, and signal integrity are met at the board and chassis level.
• Standardisation & Architecture: While maintaining a generic systems approach ensure designs remain modular and scalable, utilising industry standards such as VPX where high‑performance ruggedized computing is required.
• Management of a Systems Integration Lab that replicates the aircraft environment for testing new equipment, training operators and troubleshooting potential defects.
• Day to day liaison with key stakeholders including Flight Operations, Task Specialists, Engineering (Part‑145) and Intelligence Analysts.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• MBSE Proficiency: Expert knowledge of SysML and experience with tools such as MatLab or similar.
• Electronics Foundation: Solid understanding of digital and analog circuit design, power distribution, and electronic packaging.
• Open Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with VPX architecture (VITA standards) for modular system design and backplane communication.
• Requirements Engineering: Managing complex requirements and taking concepts through the ‘V’ lifecycle whilst maintaining traceability and compliance to successful integration.
• Technical Communication: The ability to distill complex technical trade‑offs for executive leadership and non‑technical clients.
• Problem Solving: A proven track record of resolving "system‑of‑systems" level issues that cross the boundaries of hardware, software, and firmware.
• Flexibility: Ability to work in a fast paced engineering environment, effective under pressure and adept at prioritising tasks whilst managing competing demands; whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels. Develops and maintains strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives.
• Standards: Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to health, safety, and environmental procedures, ensuring their consistent implementation and adherence.

Essential

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering/related field or 5+ years of total experience in a systems engineering environment, with a clear progression into leadership.

Preferred

• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP or OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional) is highly desirable.
• Management Experience: Minimum of 5 years experience managing engineering teams, including performance management and budget oversight.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to align technical roadmaps with broader business objectives.
• CAA/EASA Part‑145 knowledge and experience.

Job Benefits

• 4% Company pension contribution matching
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• Cycle to Work
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