At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of systems engineers in developing advanced space systems and spacecraft.
- Company: Join a growing space organisation at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with modern facilities and international projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting space missions while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in space systems engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Systems Engineering Team Lead to join a growing space organisation developing complex spacecraft and advanced space systems. This is a senior technical leadership position combining systems engineering, technical delivery and people management. You will lead a team of systems engineers while remaining closely involved in the development and maturation of complex space systems, from early architecture and mission definition through to integration, verification and delivery.
Working closely with project managers, customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will help shape technical solutions, lead system-level trade-offs and ensure projects remain aligned with performance, cost and schedule requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of approximately 6–8 systems engineers, supporting their development, workload and performance.
- Define mission concepts, system requirements, technical objectives and development profiles based on customer and stakeholder needs.
- Lead system-level architecture development and technical trade-off studies.
- Identify key technical drivers relating to system performance, risk, cost and schedule.
- Lead technical discussions and present trade-off analyses to engineering and project stakeholders.
- Manage requirements, design baselines and configuration/change management throughout the system lifecycle.
- Work closely with project managers, engineering leadership, customers and suppliers to achieve consensus on complex technical issues.
- Coordinate technical deliverables, risk mitigation activities and engineering priorities across multidisciplinary teams.
- Identify technical and resource requirements across current and future projects.
- Support recruitment, interviewing and onboarding of new systems engineering team members.
- Identify skills gaps and develop plans to support the professional development of engineers.
- Review and provide technical oversight of engineering outputs.
- Support the team with hands-on systems engineering activities where required.
About You
We are looking for an experienced systems engineer with a strong background in space or similarly complex engineering environments, who is ready to take the next step into a technical team leadership position. You should have:
- 5+ years' experience in space systems engineering or a similarly complex engineering environment.
- A good understanding of the key subsystems and functions involved in a typical satellite mission.
- Strong experience with systems requirements definition, derivation and management.
- Experience with system validation, verification and delivery.
- The ability to conduct complex technical and programme‑level trade-offs.
- Experience managing technical risk, scope, budget and schedule constraints.
- Confidence working with engineering simulations and outputs from aerospace engineering tools.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical subjects to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- The ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Desirable Experience
- 2+ years' experience managing or leading systems engineers.
- 8+ years' experience in space systems engineering or similarly complex systems.
- Broader knowledge of spacecraft engineering disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, mechanisms or GNC.
- Experience with satellite Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT).
- Experience supporting spacecraft or mission operations.
- Experience working on ESA or other institutional space programmes.
- Experience working across the full spacecraft development lifecycle.
What’s on Offer
- Hybrid working with flexible arrangements around core hours.
- Optional 9/75 working pattern.
- 25 days' annual leave, increasing with service, plus public holidays.
- Private healthcare.
- Life insurance and long-term sick pay.
- Relocation assistance may be available.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Access to modern engineering and cleanroom facilities.
- Collaborative, international and technically driven working environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Systems Engineer or Senior/Lead Systems Engineer looking to combine hands‑on technical engineering with team leadership and strategic responsibility. You will have the opportunity to influence system architecture, develop engineering capability and lead a talented team working on technically challenging space missions from concept through to delivery.
Systems Engineering Team Lead employer: Holt Executive Ltd
Holt Executive Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior RF Electronics Engineer, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in the heart of the UK. The company values employee contributions and fosters a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Team Lead
✨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 Systems Engineering Team Lead role you’re after at Holt Executive Ltd.
✨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 Holt Executive Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Holt Executive Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Systems Engineering Team Lead at Holt Executive Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Systems Engineering Team Lead, 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 Holt Executive Ltd 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 Holt Executive Ltd 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 Holt Executive Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Holt Executive Ltd, 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 Holt Executive Ltd 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.
