At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering activities in a dynamic defence and technology portfolio.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and great perks like healthcare and extra leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of engineering systems and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 51930 - 63470 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a stakeholder-rich environment as part of a Portfolio Systems team supporting the delivery of engineering activities across a complex defence and technology portfolio. The role offers the chance to challenge yourself in a fast-paced and varied environment while developing a broader understanding of engineering governance, portfolio management, and product development practices.
The Portfolio Management function plays a key role in evolving how products and capabilities are developed and delivered in partnership with customers and key stakeholders. The focus is on delivering enhanced capability, greater value for money, and improved operational effectiveness through a coordinated portfolio approach. The Portfolio Systems team supports this vision by driving engineering coherence through commonality, modularity, and reuse across both existing and future products. This includes managing engineering design records and engaging with senior stakeholders across programmes, engineering functions, centres of excellence, and specialist teams to define, agree, and verify portfolio-level requirements.
The role also provides exposure to a variety of engineering and systems-related work packages, including:
- Intellectual Property considerations
- Test and evaluation capability planning
- Supplier and technology data management
- Systems studies and technical trade-off investigations
- Engineering governance and requirements management activities
There will be opportunities to present work to senior engineering and customer stakeholders, collaborate across multiple sites, and gain exposure to wider portfolio considerations including integration, cost efficiency, operational performance, export potential, and strategic capability development.
What We're Looking For
- A general understanding of complex engineering systems and product development throughout the full lifecycle.
- Confidence engaging with stakeholders and building effective working relationships across a large and diverse organisation.
- Ability to influence, collaborate with, and where appropriate challenge senior stakeholders.
- A flexible mindset with the ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
- The ability to take a strategic view while identifying and addressing key tactical priorities.
- Knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and requirements management practices, ideally with experience of requirements management tools.
- Ability to support system design activities and facilitate requirement trade-offs and acceptance with stakeholders.
- Capability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to inputs from multiple stakeholders.
Benefits
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme.
- Competitive pension contribution package.
- Paid overtime opportunities where applicable.
- Additional annual leave through flexible leave arrangements.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Enhanced parental and family leave policies.
- Excellent on-site facilities, including subsidised catering and free parking.
- Healthcare cash plan covering everyday medical expenses such as dental, optical, and wellbeing costs.
Portfolio Systems Engineer in London employer: Defence
As a Portfolio Systems Engineer, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that prioritises innovation and stakeholder engagement. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including performance-related bonuses, flexible working options, and enhanced parental leave policies, all designed to support your work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and offers unique opportunities for professional development within the defence and technology sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Systems Engineer in London
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Portfolio Systems Engineer role you’re after at Defence.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Defence a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Defence.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Portfolio Systems Engineer at Defence, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Systems Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Portfolio Systems Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Defence a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Defence specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Defence, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Defence want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
