Senior Systems Engineer
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our growing STEP programme and play a pivotal role in delivering complex, high‑impact engineering outcomes. In this role, you will take full ownership of systems engineering delivery at work‑package level, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership capability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivery Leadership – Own and lead the end‑to‑end delivery systems engineering work packages, including resource allocation and budget accountability; ensure delivery of assured products and services aligned to scope, quality, schedule, and cost; plan, track, and manage delivery, resolving technical and programme issues proactively; collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, partners, and suppliers to drive successful outcomes.
- Technical Authority – Act as the Systems Engineering technical authority for your work packages, provide clear technical direction, resolve complex decisions and trade‑offs, and ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles, standards, and lifecycle practices.
- Integration & Risk Management – Coordinate and integrate concurrent workstreams, contributors, and interfaces; identify and manage technical assumptions, dependencies, and risks, ensuring delivery confidence; maintain alignment and technical integrity across all activities.
- Leadership & Development – Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to engineers; champion best practice in systems engineering and drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and ways of working; engage stakeholders effectively progress and manage expectations.
- Culture & Leadership Mindset – Embody a strong leadership mindset, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour; foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing team environment; act as a cultural ambassador, aligning to organisational values and the Seven Principles of Public Life.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience delivering complex systems engineering programmes or work packages.
- Strong technical background across the systems engineering lifecycle.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and manage delivery challenges.
- Experience balancing technical authority with collaborative leadership.
- Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
- Passion for mentoring others and improving engineering excellence.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a cutting‑edge programme shaping the future of engineering.
- Work on complex, meaningful challenges with real‑world impact.
- Collaborate with leading experts across industry and academia.
- Opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and innovation.
Qualifications
- Essential: A relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject.
- Professional registration as Chartered Engineer with a recognised engineering institution (e.g., IFSE, IET, IMechE).
- Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering and ability to apply it pragmatically.
- Experience managing the delivery of systems engineering scope through teams.
- Evidence of operating as a technical authority for systems engineering deliverables.
- Experience of coaching and mentoring junior team members.
- Exemplary communication with strong evidence of influencing diverse stakeholders.
- Beneficial: Member of Institute for Systems Engineering (MIfSE).
- Systems Engineering Professional accreditation (ASEP/CSEP) with the International Council of Systems Engineering.
- Experience in using Dassault Systemes 3DS tools, specifically Catia Magic (Cameo Systems Modeler) and 3D.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from Black or ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation.
UKFE is committed to being accessible. For any questions or required adjustments, please email talent@ukifs.uk.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including Disclosure & Barring Service checks for criminal convictions. While not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future.
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, you may consult the following resources for information on criminal record checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants.
Vacancies are generally advertised for four weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We reserve the right to consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.
Equal opportunities apply. No role or candidate is regarded as completed. If the position is closed, you will be notified via the standard process.
