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- Tasks: Lead engineering delivery on complex defence programmes and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Leading UK defence technology organisation with a focus on mission-critical systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while leading innovative engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Defence or Aerospace and strong Systems Engineering lifecycle knowledge.
- Other info: Challenging role with significant ownership and influence; DV clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Berkshire (Onsite)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Allowance
I’m partnering with a leading UK defence technology organisation delivering advanced mission-critical systems that operate across land, maritime and airborne domains. We’re looking for an experienced Engineering Leader to take full ownership of engineering delivery across complex, regulated programmes. This is a high-impact role leading multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring delivery to scope, cost, schedule and governance standards aligned to ISO 15288 lifecycle principles.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead end-to-end engineering delivery across one or more programmes
- Drive Systems Engineering best practice (V-model, iterative & incremental models)
- Lead multi-discipline teams and manage technical dependencies
- Identify and mitigate technical risk; manage change and configuration control
- Ensure artefacts meet contractual, regulatory and governance requirements
- Support programme planning, Basis of Estimate inputs and schedule optimisation
- Act as senior engineering interface with customers, suppliers and stakeholders
- Align resource capability with programme demand and future growth
Requirements
- Proven multidisciplinary leadership within Defence or Aerospace environments
- Strong Systems Engineering lifecycle knowledge
- Experience delivering high-assurance, regulated solutions
- Confident stakeholder engagement at senior level
- Exposure to Command & Control, secure communications, encryption, sensors or integrated defence capability
This is a challenging brief requiring technical credibility, commercial awareness and strong leadership — but it offers real ownership and influence within nationally significant programmes.
Please note that this role requires candidates to undergo DV clearance.
Systems Engineering Manager in Reading employer: Innovate Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Innovate Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your Systems Engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss the V-model and how you’ve applied it in past projects. We want you to showcase your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical dependencies.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company! Understand their mission-critical systems and how they operate across different domains. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Systems Engineering Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Systems Engineering Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering complex programmes, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. Talk about your experience in managing technical dependencies and driving best practices in Systems Engineering. We’re looking for someone who can take charge and inspire their team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like engineering delivery.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, especially the V-model and iterative models. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, particularly in Defence or Aerospace environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you managed technical dependencies and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with ISO 15288 lifecycle principles and other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous projects and how you manage change and configuration control.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical topics related to Command & Control, secure communications, and integrated defence capabilities. Brush up on recent advancements in these areas and be ready to share your insights and experiences.