Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)
Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

Fareham Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Complex Electronic Hardware team for cutting-edge combat aircraft.
  • Company: Join Dstl, a leader in defence innovation and technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension, and generous annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on national defence while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in CEH, strong communication skills, and programming experience required.
  • Other info: UK Nationals only; security clearance needed.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

Join to apply for the Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) role at Dstl

Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

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Join to apply for the Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) role at Dstl

Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ or Dstl Portsdown West, Fareham, Hamsphire, PO17 6AD

At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver. To do this successfully in this job will require attendance at a Dstl location; Government Departments including wider MoD or Delivery and Mission Partner’s premises for a minimum of 60% of your working time. Where business needs allow, and with the agreement of your line manager, there may be the option for a combination of workplace and home-based working.This is a non-contractual arrangement.

Job Summary

Dstl is seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead to join the UK MOD\’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and support the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) — a trilateral partnership with Japan and Italy to design and deliver the next-generation crewed fighter aircraft.

The FCAS will deliver a 6th Generation capability that surpasses today’s most advanced systems, placing software, autonomy, and complex electronic hardware at its core. As CEH Lead, you\’ll be at the forefront of helping define how CEH is integrated, assured, and sustained across the UK’s most critical future defence programme.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job Description

In FCAS, programmable elements (PE)—particularly software and CEH—are fundamental to mission success and national defence advantage. This role is a rare opportunity to influence an international defence programme, guiding how CEH is developed, assured, and integrated into a highly autonomous and adaptable fast jet platform

In This Role You Will:

  • Lead the CEH Capability
  • Influence National & International Stakeholders
  • Build Sustainable Technical Structures
  • Lead Research & Knowledge Development
  • Foster a High-Performing Team Environment

In FCAS, programmable elements (PE)—particularly software and CEH—are fundamental to mission success and national defence advantage. This role is a rare opportunity to influence an international defence programme, guiding how CEH is developed, assured, and integrated into a highly autonomous and adaptable fast jet platform

In This Role You Will:

  • Lead the CEH Capability
  • Influence National & International Stakeholders
  • Build Sustainable Technical Structures
  • Lead Research & Knowledge Development
  • Foster a High-Performing Team Environment

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has the following skills & experience:

Skills

  • Proven leadership in CEH or safety-/mission-critical embedded systems
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle and its relationship to hardware
  • Experience applying statistical rigour, data science methods, and mathematical modelling
  • Hands-on programming experience in languages such as C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, Go
  • Ability to mentor and coach technical colleagues and drive knowledge transfer
  • Strong systems thinking and ability to manage complexity in uncertain environments
  • Familiarity with cyber resilience and software/hardware assurance concepts.

Experience

  • Proven track record of technical leadership of small to medium-sized teams
  • Experience with stakeholder management across complex technical environments
  • Hands-on experience with software measurement approaches and delivery metrics
  • Applied experience in technical mentoring, knowledge management, and capability building
  • Strong background in producing technical documentation and briefing senior audiences
  • Experience in setting or shaping CEH delivery plans across system development projects

Please see the full job profile in the candidate pack at the bottom of this page for more information.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Behaviours

We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Leadership
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Changing and Improving
  • Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

  • Leadership

Alongside your salary of £57,297, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £16,598 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

  • Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
  • Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
  • Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
  • Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
  • Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
  • Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
  • Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
  • Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 4th August 2025 with interviews to be arranged from the 18th August 2025, interviews will consist of a combined technical & Behavioural interview to include a 5 minute presentation entitled \’How have you selected integrated & assured CEH use in a high integrity environment?\’.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

  • Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
  • Email : Dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

  • Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Engineering and Information Technology

  • Industries

    Defense and Space Manufacturing

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Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) employer: Dstl

Dstl is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the defence sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, including access to fully funded apprenticeships and a generous pension scheme, Dstl prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff. The inclusive culture and flexible working arrangements, combined with the opportunity to influence critical national defence programmes, make Dstl a highly attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
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Contact Detail:

Dstl Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) programme. Understanding its objectives and challenges will help you articulate how your skills in complex electronic hardware can contribute to its success during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those involved in the FCAS project. Attend relevant industry events or online forums to build connections that could provide insights and potentially advocate for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in technical environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in safety-critical systems, as this is a key aspect of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your knowledge of software development lifecycles and their integration with hardware. Being able to speak confidently about this relationship will demonstrate your technical expertise and understanding of the role's requirements.

We think you need these skills to ace Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

Leadership in Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH)
Stakeholder Engagement
Understanding of Software Development Lifecycle
Statistical Analysis and Data Science Methods
Mathematical Modelling
Programming Skills in C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, Go
Technical Mentoring and Knowledge Transfer
Systems Thinking
Cyber Resilience Awareness
Software/Hardware Assurance Concepts
Technical Documentation Production
Experience in Setting CEH Delivery Plans
Ability to Manage Complexity in Uncertain Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) and safety-critical embedded systems. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in stakeholder engagement and technical leadership.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) programme. Discuss how your background aligns with the role's requirements, particularly your understanding of the software development lifecycle and your hands-on programming experience.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your track record in managing small to medium-sized teams and your familiarity with cyber resilience concepts. Highlight any specific projects where you influenced technical delivery plans or mentored colleagues.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Be ready to provide evidence of your leadership and communication skills during the selection process. Think of examples that illustrate how you've changed and improved processes in previous roles, as these behaviours will be assessed.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) programme and how CEH integrates into it. This will help you articulate your thoughts during the interview.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the technical nature of this position, be ready to discuss your experience with CEH, software development lifecycles, and programming languages like C/C++, Java, or Python. Brush up on relevant concepts and be prepared to provide examples from your past work.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

As a CEH Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, mentoring colleagues, and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles.

✨Practice Your Presentation

You'll be required to give a 5-minute presentation on how you've selected integrated and assured CEH use in a high integrity environment. Practice this presentation multiple times to ensure clarity and confidence. Make sure to cover key points succinctly and engage your audience.

Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)
Dstl
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  • Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)

    Fareham
    Full-Time
    50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-30

  • D

    Dstl

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