At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering development from concept to prototype in advanced defence technologies.
- Company: Join an ambitious, investment-backed defence tech venture in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity opportunities, private healthcare, and pension.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic start-up environment with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence technology and influence technical strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex systems engineering and leading multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 £ per year.
Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems
Salary: £85,000-£100,000 plus equity opportunity and benefits
Location: London
Working arrangement: Full-time, permanent, office-based, five days per week
The Opportunity
Electus Recruitment Solutions is supporting an ambitious, investment-backed defence technology venture establishing a new engineering and innovation capability in London.
The business is developing advanced defence technologies and is seeking an experienced Chief Systems Engineer or senior technical leader to take ownership of engineering development from early-stage concept through to prototype and demonstrator.
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a growing engineering capability, influencing technical strategy and delivering complex technology in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
The Role
As the senior technical authority, you will define the engineering approach, establish the system architecture and lead hands-on technical development across a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Working across the full development lifecycle, you will translate capability objectives into engineering requirements, guide design decisions and drive system integration, verification and testing.
This is a practical engineering leadership position suited to someone who combines strong systems engineering expertise with direct experience of developing complex products and technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Take technical ownership of engineering development from concept through to prototype and demonstrator.
- Define system architecture, technical requirements and engineering development roadmaps.
- Lead multidisciplinary design reviews, technical assessments and system-level decisions.
- Coordinate mechanical, electrical, electronic and software engineering activities.
- Establish systems engineering processes, technical documentation and design assurance practices.
- Define verification and validation strategies and oversee integration and testing.
- Identify technical risks, engineering constraints and development dependencies.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership to engineers and external specialist partners.
- Communicate technical progress, risks and priorities to senior stakeholders.
- Help establish the engineering capability required to support future development phases.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience developing complex products or systems within defence, aerospace or a similarly demanding engineering environment.
- Demonstrable involvement in taking a technology from early concept through detailed development to prototype or demonstrator.
- Strong systems engineering expertise encompassing requirements definition, system architecture, integration and verification.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and making complex technical decisions.
- A hands-on approach to engineering development, beyond programme management or technical governance alone.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical communication skills. The ability to work independently, take ownership and deliver results in an evolving organisation.
Desirable Experience
- Background in complex weapons, missile systems, guided weapons or other advanced defence technologies.
- Experience progressing research and development programmes through multiple Technology Readiness Levels.
- Previous experience within a technology start-up, specialist engineering organisation or advanced research environment.
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and requirements or architecture tools.
- Experience planning and delivering prototype integration, testing and technical demonstrations.
- Chartered Engineer status or an advanced qualification in a relevant engineering discipline.
The Opportunity and Package
Equity: Opportunity to participate in an equity package
Benefits: Private healthcare and pension.
Employment: Permanent, full-time.
Joining during the formative stages of the engineering operation, you will have significant influence over technical direction, development priorities and the establishment of a new engineering capability.
This role will appeal to an established Chief Engineer, Principal Systems Engineer, Systems Architect or Technical Lead seeking greater technical ownership and the opportunity to turn ambitious engineering concepts into demonstrable results.
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Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems employer: Electus Recruitment Solutions
Join a leading defence company in Bristol, where innovation meets purpose. We offer a collaborative work culture that fosters technical excellence and provides ample opportunities for professional growth within the defence sector. With a focus on advanced Air Defence systems, you'll be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages hands-on involvement in shaping critical software architectures.
Contact Details:
Electus Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems
✨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 Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems role you’re after at Electus Recruitment Solutions.
✨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 Electus Recruitment Solutions a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
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✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Systems Engineer / Technical Lead - Advanced Defence Systems, 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Electus Recruitment Solutions, 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions 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.
