At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a project team in delivering complex systems for defence customers.
- Company: Join Drumgrange, a family-run engineering company in the UK defence industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Experience in system design, implementation, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 € per year.
We are looking for a highly experienced and enthusiastic Senior Systems Engineer to lead a major project team in the role of System Design Authority. You will be responsible for the delivery of a complex system involving specialist sensors, electronics and signal processing firmware and software to C4ISR customers. As one of the most senior engineers on the project, you will lead the team to successfully complete system design and development, system and sub-system implementation as well as integration and testing, and will gain customer acceptance ensuring all design requirements are met.
You should also be able to identify potentials for system enhancements and upgrades where appropriate and support the development of roadmaps to achieve these changes as well as provide strong technical governance and mentoring of the design team and assist the project manager in reporting to a variety of internal and external customers and stakeholders. The work is predominantly related to sensor and communications networked systems but also includes sensor processing and soldier-worn combat systems. Currently, the work covers Land systems but has the potential to evolve into other associated domains in the future.
What You'll Need
- Track record of delivering complex system design, implementation, test and integration in the defence (or similar, highly regulated) domain.
- Experience in full system lifecycle, design, development, testing, integration, and acceptance.
- The ability to analyse and specify system acceptance requirements.
- Appreciation of modern software design techniques in C++, Java & C#.
- Understanding of network technologies.
- Appreciation of complex electronics and firmware design principles.
- Strong technical knowledge of military-grade COTS communication and sensor systems.
- High level of both verbal and written communication skills providing regular communication to internal and external stakeholders, customers, and suppliers.
- Ability to manage, motivate and develop engineering employees to ensure they fulfil their roles and meet targets within agreed timelines and standards of quality.
- Ability to attain DV UK security clearance.
- Full driving license.
- Ability to ad-hoc travel within the UK.
What You'll Do
- Support the project managers on all technical issues and act as the project's technical authority.
- Undertake and oversee design activities at the equipment, system and software levels ensuring rigorous test procedures are in place to verify these.
- Meet technical requirements through all phases of design and integration, leading to customer acceptance.
- Develop technical documentation to support the project development and deliverables, including test plans, specifications and procedures.
- Co-ordinate and oversee testing and qualification activities throughout the project.
- Management of project technical risks and opportunities.
- Guide and govern the hardware, software and firmware engineering development teams to ensure that system designs achieve the operational performance requirements.
- Review and approval of technical documents.
- Preparation of and attendance (including chairing) of project design reviews with customers.
- Involvement with acceptance events at factory and external sites.
- Involvement in the safety, reliability and through-life support of products.
- Leadership, guidance and mentoring of your multi-disciplinary engineering team.
- Observe and predict scientific, engineering and technological trends to continually improve the business offering.
- Support the business development by identifying opportunities and in preparing technical proposals & solutions.
- Foster good working relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Supporting the research and development of products within the Company, improving engineering quality, efficiency and cost.
What You'll Get
- Full engineering lifecycle with optional career path: Choose the direction of your career.
- Paid overtime or time off in lieu: Gain up to 24 additional paid days off per year or boost your salary with an authorised single-time overtime.
- Flexible working: We operate around the core working hours of 09:30 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00.
- Role-specific allowances: Subject to individual projects and roles.
- Holiday entitlement: 24 days per annum, plus public holidays. These are pro rata for part-time roles. A Christmas closedown occurs for most roles from 24th December – 2nd January, utilising your holiday entitlement.
- Pension scheme: Competitive employer contribution scheme.
- Private medical care: Access a network of 50+ private clinics and hospitals nationwide.
- Training and upskilling: We are committed to your continuous personal and professional development meaning that you have the opportunity to gain additional skills and qualifications.
- Monthly Payment Schemes: Save money on a new bicycle and cycling accessories and get fit too!
- Company tech: Salary loans to purchase laptops, mobiles, and home office equipment.
- Relocation package: Available to selected candidates needing to relocate within easy travel distance of one of our offices - In line with HMRC guidelines - spend less time travelling and more time living.
Senior Engineer (System Design Authority) in Chertsey employer: Drumgrange Ltd
At Drumgrange, we pride ourselves on being one of the last independent, family-run engineering companies in the UK defence industry, offering a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects throughout the entire engineering lifecycle. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and a commitment to employee development, ensuring that your hard work is recognised and rewarded. Join us to make a meaningful contribution while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer (System Design Authority) in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Drumgrange. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements. When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, let your work speak for itself. It’s all about demonstrating how you can lead complex system designs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in system design and integration clearly. The more comfortable you are discussing your expertise, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership and technical skills, and make sure to express your passion for engineering excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer (System Design Authority) in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in system design and integration. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve delivered complex systems in the past. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. Make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drumgrange Ltd
✨Know Your Systems Inside Out
As a Senior Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of complex system design and implementation. Brush up on your knowledge of military-grade COTS communication and sensor systems, as well as modern software design techniques in C++, Java, and C#. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully delivered similar systems.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing and mentoring others. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams to meet targets and overcome challenges. This will show that you can not only lead but also inspire your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and understanding of system acceptance requirements. Review the full system lifecycle and be ready to discuss how you've handled design, development, testing, and integration in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. Be prepared to explain how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders and customers in the past, ensuring everyone is aligned throughout the project lifecycle.