Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme in Bristol

Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Defence

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-impact naval simulation programme and shape technical solutions.
  • Company: Join a dynamic defence organisation with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Thriving environment with opportunities to mentor and influence team dynamics.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a critical defence programme with immediate impact.
  • Qualifications: Strong systems engineering background and experience leading complex programmes.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Are you a technically strong leader looking to take ownership of a complex, high-impact defence programme? We are seeking a Technical Lead to play a pivotal role on a major Royal Navy simulation programme. This is a unique opportunity to step into a large, evolving environment where no two days are the same - offering real influence over technical direction, delivery, and team shape.

The Opportunity

You'll act as the technical authority across a major simulator programme, ensuring delivery meets the highest engineering standards while navigating the realities of a complex, fast-moving environment. This is not a 'steady-state' programme - there are challenges around funding, priorities, and structure, so we're looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, can bring clarity, and drive outcomes. You'll also have the opportunity to build and shape your own team and influence how the programme evolves.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the technical solution and delivery across a large-scale naval simulation programme
  • Act as the focal point for all technical decisions, providing clear leadership and direction
  • Take ownership as the technical authority, ensuring solutions meet required standards and outcomes
  • Coordinate technical activity across the full lifecycle (concept through to acceptance)
  • Engage with customers through reviews, demos, and acceptance activities
  • Ensure engineering work is well-defined, prioritised, and delivered to quality
  • Mentor and lead multidisciplinary teams, driving best practice and continuous improvement
  • Act as the key interface with internal teams, customers, and partners
  • Identify and manage technical risks and mitigation strategies
  • Support bids, changes, and proposals with technical input and estimation

What We're Looking For

  • Strong background in systems engineering
  • Experience leading delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary programmes
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams in challenging environments
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving, and sometimes ambiguous programmes
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience with simulation technologies
  • Exposure to defence or naval environments

Why This Role?

  • Work on a critical, high-visibility defence programme
  • Operate with real ownership and technical authority
  • Opportunity to shape teams and influence delivery approach
  • Join a programme where your impact will be immediate and tangible

If you're a hands-on technical leader who thrives in complexity and wants to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme in Bristol employer: Defence

As a leading employer in the defence sector, we offer a dynamic work environment where innovation and technical excellence are at the forefront. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and mentorship within a collaborative team. Join us in Bristol and be part of a high-impact naval simulation programme that not only challenges your skills but also allows you to make a meaningful contribution to national security.

Defence

Contact Details:

Defence Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme in Bristol

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in defence or simulation. Attend events, join online forums, 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 interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead teams and tackle complex challenges. Practice articulating these stories clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you! Be proactive and apply through our website. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with systems engineering and your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Technical Lead role!

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills align with the programme’s needs. It shows you’re genuinely interested and professional.

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme in Bristol

Technical Leadership
Systems Engineering
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Risk Management
Team Building
Simulation Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Technical Lead role. Highlight your systems engineering background and any experience in leading complex programmes, as this will catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've navigated ambiguity and led teams in challenging environments. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership style and how you've mentored teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive best practices and foster continuous improvement, so let that shine through!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!

How to prepare for a job interview at Defence

Know Your Technical Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge and any relevant simulation technologies. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've led complex programmes, as this will show your technical authority.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to talk about how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments. Think of instances where you've navigated ambiguity and driven outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since stakeholder management is key, be ready to share how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in engaging customers through reviews and demos, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships.

Be Ready for Challenges

Expect questions about how you handle funding and priority challenges in fast-paced environments. Prepare examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills and how you've managed technical risks and mitigation strategies in the past.