At a Glance
- 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, allowances, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Role requires DV clearance; excellent opportunity for career advancement.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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.
System Engineering Manager in Reading employer: Innovate
Innovate is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol, where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and training, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Our hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making Innovate a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land System Engineering Manager in Reading
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Innovate for a System Engineering Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace System Engineering Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Innovate, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Innovate, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Innovate.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Innovate. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Innovate love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
