Divisional Chief Engineer

Divisional Chief Engineer

Full-Time 80000 - 131700 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
Leidos

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage technical teams to deliver innovative engineering solutions.
  • Company: Join Leidos, a leader in technology and engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 33 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical projects while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in complex engineering delivery and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 131700 £ per year.

An experienced Chief Engineer is required to take on this exciting Divisional Chief Engineer role. This person will lead and/or manage works of other technical staff that has significant impact on the portfolio’s results/outputs predominately fills this role.

With a focus on delivery and operation, the Divisional Chief Engineer contributes to the development of solutions that influence strategic project/programme goals and business results. They have thorough understanding of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts, they recommend and collaborate in the development of new technical solutions and/or standards in support of strategy and operations.

The successful candidate will be a natural self-starter and team motivator who will guide the technical team to deliver upon Leidos commitments. They are a leader and champion in technical delivery with the experience to back up their decisions and actions, preferably hands on at a high level. You will work with field leading subject matter experts who will provide detailed designs and with supporting functions within the division such as programme management, business, financial and senior leadership.

The Divisional Chief Engineer is responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of engineering across all bids and programmes within the Civil Division of Leidos UK. That includes all proposals and contracts that are not related to National Security, Defence or Intelligence. Instead, they are focused on other mission-critical customers whether Government or pseudo-government, devolved government, Air Traffic Control, the Environment Agency, NHS Supply Chain etc.

Core skills and behaviours:

  • Drives the team towards delivery by shaping and encouraging the team to achieve outcomes
  • Significant experience in delivery of complex technical deliverables, preferably in Air Traffic Management using a diverse engineering and technology team
  • Significant experience in breaking down technical deliveries into manageable and trackable parts.
  • Experience in lifecycle methodologies, technical governance and technical solutions.
  • Experience of technical business analysis or systems engineering, including requirements management and Model-Based Systems Engineering.
  • Experience of large-scale integrations, service orientated architecture and key technologies.
  • Keen technical advocate and self-learner up to date with the latest technology and innovations; encourages and inspires those around them.
  • Proven experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering programmes with significant technical and business impact
  • Authority in Concept of Operations (ConOps) development, shaping solutions from early concept through delivery and operation.
  • Strong background in systems engineering, including requirements analysis, requirements management, and technical assurance
  • Experience providing technical leadership and governance, guiding engineering teams and influencing senior stakeholders
  • Demonstrable expertise in systems integration and systems architecture, including large‑scale or safety‑critical environments
  • Ability to decompose complex technical problems into manageable, measurable delivery plans
  • Experience across the full engineering lifecycle, including lifecycle cost analysis, performance analysis, and trade studies
  • Advanced capability in modelling, simulation, and evidence‑based technical decision‑making
  • Strong understanding of data and information architectures and their role in system performance and delivery
  • Ownership of configuration management, risk management, and technical compliance
  • Excellent stakeholder management, with the credibility to challenge, influence, and advise at senior levels
  • A recognised technical authority who mentors engineers and sets the standard for technical excellence

Tools & Professional Practice:

  • Microsoft Office suite, with advanced use of Excel for analysis and reporting
  • Microsoft Visio for system, architecture, and process modelling

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

  • Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
  • Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
  • Flexi-Time working

Commitment to Diversity:

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

Who We Are:

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science. Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

What Makes Us Different:

Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about safe. We are at the forefront of machine learning, AI, cyber security and solutions. Using your skills in the technology frontline by helping to build a safer world. You can inspire change.

Collaboration: having flexibility to do your job is one of our core benefits, enabling you to become part of our extraordinary team. We have been empowering our people to work flexibly for years. Whether you work from home, the office or on customer sites, we will give you the digital tools and the flexibility to work smarter and align your needs and ours.

People: Leidos empowers people from every background to be themselves and gives you the tools to learn new skills by enabling growth whilst developing. We believe that extraordinary people need opportunities to grow, to be inspired and to inspire others. At Leidos, we invest in technical academies, career rotations and a career development plans that enhance your future.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range: £98,800.00-£131,700.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Divisional Chief Engineer employer: Leidos

Leidos is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in Whiteley, Hampshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including a contributory pension, private medical insurance, and an impressive 33 days of annual leave, ensuring our team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a market-leading operation that values your contributions and empowers you to drive meaningful change.

Leidos

Contact Details:

Leidos Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Divisional Chief Engineer

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 Divisional Chief Engineer role you’re after at Leidos.

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 Leidos 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 Leidos.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Divisional Chief Engineer at Leidos, 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 Divisional Chief Engineer

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Engineering
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Divisional Chief Engineer, 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 Leidos 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 Leidos 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 Leidos

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Leidos, 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 Leidos 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.