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- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to design cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles.
- Company: Fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company pushing technological boundaries.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, clear career development, and supportive leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for significant impact in defence and security.
- Why this job: Shape the future of uncrewed vehicles in an innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design engineering and leading diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client, a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, is driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. They are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Head of Vehicle Design to guide our design engineering team within our USV (Uncrewed Surface Vessel) production facility. This pivotal role involves leading a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software design engineers, ensuring the successful technical execution of our USV production efforts.
You will be the key technical lead and interface between our USV production and R&D design engineering team, ensuring seamless collaboration and knowledge transfer. Working closely with the Programme Manager, you will translate customer technical requirements into actionable engineering tasks, while also providing critical insights into technical feasibility and innovation opportunities. As a leader, you will drive decision-making for the design engineering team, ensuring technical excellence and efficient problem-solving.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles within a global aerospace and robotics company.
Key Responsibilities:- Technical Leadership: Set the technical vision for the UK engineering team, providing direction, mentorship, and oversight across all engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software).
- Design Authority: Own and approve all major design decisions, system architectures, and technical documentation, ensuring they meet internal standards and customer requirements.
- System Architecture & Budget Ownership: Define and control the system architecture to balance capability, scalability, and cost. Align technical design choices with programme budgets, commercial constraints, and lifecycle cost targets.
- Standards & Quality: Establish and enforce engineering standards, processes, and quality benchmarks to ensure consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
- Problem Solving: Lead the resolution of complex engineering challenges, de-risking the technical roadmap and unblocking delivery obstacles.
- Team Development: Support recruitment, onboarding, and career development of engineers within the UK. Set clear goals, deliver performance feedback, and foster a culture of accountability and growth.
- Innovation Culture: Promote continuous improvement, emerging technology adoption, and innovative thinking across the team.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the technical interface between engineering and internal/external stakeholders, including product managers, OEM partners, and customers.
- Systems Integration Oversight: Guide best practices in UXV system integration, testing, and validation - from platform hardware through to AI-enabled autonomy and control systems.
- Risk Management: Identify technical and programme-level risks early, developing and driving mitigation strategies.
- Field & Product Performance: Monitor performance metrics from development through deployment, using trial feedback to inform iterative improvements.
- Communication & Reporting: Provide clear, concise technical updates and programme status to senior leadership, partners, and customers.
- Requirements Translation: Convert customer needs and business goals into actionable engineering plans and system specifications.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience in design engineering, with significant experience in a leadership or technical lead role, preferably within a production or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software).
- Strong understanding of USV systems, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems.
- Proven ability to translate customer requirements into technical specifications and lead design execution.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams across different geographical locations.
- Familiarity with design tools and methodologies relevant to mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
- Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is an advantage.
- Willingness to undergo SC clearance as required.
- Opportunity to lead and shape the design of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles within a global aerospace and robotics company.
- Work within a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment.
- Supportive leadership team and clear career development opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
If you are an experienced and highly skilled professional ready to make a significant impact in the defence and security sector, we encourage you to apply now and join our client's dynamic team.
Head of Vehicle Design - USV in Southampton employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vehicle Design - USV in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their USV technology and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Vehicle Design. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vehicle Design - USV in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Vehicle Design role. Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and your understanding of USV systems. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical leadership experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams through complex engineering challenges and fostered a culture of innovation. This is key for us at StudySmarter!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it straightforward and to the point. Clearly outline your relevant experience and how it relates to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of USV systems and robotics. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved multidisciplinary teams. This will show that you not only understand the technical aspects but can also lead a diverse group effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading engineering teams. Think about times when you set a technical vision or resolved complex challenges. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can mentor and guide a team towards success.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s recent projects and innovations in uncrewed vehicles. Being able to speak about their products and how you can contribute to their goals will show your genuine interest and alignment with their mission.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific engineering challenges. Think through potential risks and mitigation strategies related to USV production. This will help you illustrate your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills during the interview.