At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering operations and oversee technical teams in delivering critical national infrastructure services.
- Company: Join Leidos, a leader in innovative technology and solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT/software systems and a degree in Engineering or Technology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough (Hybrid)
Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people and our community. The foundations of our Leidos culture are our Values, Beliefs and Expectations by which we select, recognise and reward employees. We are seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer/Platform Design Authority to support a complex delivery programme utilising hybrid cloud hosting tailored COTS products to deliver critical national infrastructure services to a law enforcement customer. This is a mobile working role with a work hub based in Farnborough but with occasional travel to sites across the UK.
The Deputy Chief Engineer's primary role is to assist the Chief Engineer in supervising engineering operations, projects, and technical teams ensuring operational and tactical activities are carried out in line with agreed designs, standards and requirements. While the Chief Engineer is both External and Internal facing to the programme, dealing with strategic planning and customer relationships, the Deputy Chief Engineer is internally focused on the programme ensuring the steady state of the technology already delivered is maintained and quality, risks and issues are monitored and managed.
A key part of the Deputy role is to act as a conduit between the Programme Senior Leadership team with their strategic vision and the engineering teams' practical implementation, planning the tactical and operational activities required to deliver the programme vision and maintain standards to ISO 9001, ISO 27001, DPA 2018, etc. This is a great opportunity for aspirant Chief Engineers to develop the skills required for future technical leadership roles.
As a dual responsibility, the Deputy Chief Engineer will act as the Platform Design Authority (PDA) for the Hybrid Cloud Platform ensuring that the platform is maintained to the agreed standard to enable the capability development activities. To this end, the PDA will ensure that regular horizon scanning of technology and dependencies is carried out and that technical roadmaps are maintained out to a minimum of an 18-month horizon, identifying any potential risks or issues as a result of technology evolution. The PDA “owns” and is responsible for the Hosting Platforms Low Level Designs and Change Management of the platform and design artifacts. It is also the PDA's responsibility to lead any incident management team and document any post-incident root cause analysis.
Responsibilities include:
- Work directly under the direction of the Programme Chief Engineer
- Deputise from the Programme Chief Engineer when not available
- Act as design authority for a Hybrid cloud platform
- Document platform and product roadmaps projected out to a minimum of 18 months
- Work as part of the senior technology team (Chief Engineer, Solutions Architect, Security Architect, Cloud Architect) to develop design solutions
- Identify and report delivery progress and dependencies risks and issues
- Maintain oversight of security and maintenance activities ensuring platform integrity is maintained in line with commercial commitments and requirements
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware, software, and network components
Qualifications:
- Proven track record with experience in a technology delivery leadership role for IT/software systems
- Good working knowledge of Software and Hardware used for IT systems technologies primarily focused on platform and infrastructure technologies
- Experience of working within Agile and Waterfall delivery models and tailoring the working practices accordingly
- Bachelor’s degree or suitable experience in an Engineering or Technology subject
- Experience in delivering solutions based on a large range of technical capabilities and technologies including hardware, software, networks, cloud, IT services and cyber security
- Understanding of different lifecycles/methodologies (incremental, SAFe agile, DevOps)
- Experience in Enterprise IT and Service Management programmes
- Experience of delivery through the engineering lifecycle using the V Model from requirement capture to customer acceptance
- Understanding of service operations and security operational management planning
- Experience of designing a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) for a customer that's transitioning to a DevOps model
- Self-Starter with ability to work with minimal supervision and oversight
Management, Communications and Soft Skills:
- A good level of commercial awareness that informs designs, work planning and negotiations with suppliers and customers
- Document engineering management/governance processes
- Strong Leadership and Management behaviours
Security Clearance/Travel:
- Ability to gain Metropolitan Police Service NPPV2 security clearance (essential)
- Expected to be at the Farnborough office 2 days per fortnight
- Expected to attend Programme Increment planning 5 Days every 3 months in Leidos Office (Farnborough/Glasgow)
- Ability to attend customer locations (Greater London) when needed
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.
Commitment to Diversity:
We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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 career development plans that enhance your future.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Engineer in Farnborough, Hampshire
✨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 Deputy 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 Deputy 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 Deputy Chief Engineer in Farnborough, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Deputy 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.
