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
✨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. We love candidates who do their homework!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can bring their expertise to our team. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace System 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.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When writing your application, focus on your proven leadership within Defence or Aerospace environments. Mention specific projects where you’ve driven Systems Engineering best practices and managed technical dependencies.
Engage with the Job Description:Use the language from the job description in your application. This shows us that you understand the role and its requirements, making it easier for us to see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, especially the V-model and ISO 15288 lifecycle. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show your technical credibility and understanding of the field.
✨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. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and lead effectively.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends and technologies in the defence sector, particularly around Command & Control, secure communications, and integrated defence capabilities. Being knowledgeable about these areas will help you engage confidently with interviewers and show your commercial awareness.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to identify and mitigate technical risks or manage change. Practise articulating your thought process in these scenarios, as it will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to align resources with programme demands.
