Systems Engineer - Technical Capability Lead in Salisbury

Systems Engineer – Technical Capability Lead – Porton Down (SP4) – Permanent – Full Time

• Salary £50,000 - £80,000 DOE




• 25 days annual leave (inclusive of up to 3 days December shutdown)




• Buy or sell up to 5 days’ annual leave




• Two pension schemes to choose from




• Two pension schemes to choose from




• Private Medical & Dental Insurance + discounts for additional family members




• Life Assurance scheme up to 4 x salary




• Multiple Save schemes




• Electric/Hybrid Car leasing scheme




• Cycle to work scheme




• Retail discounts




• Continuous Professional development support




• Annual Wellness Allowance

About the role

Are you an experienced Systems Engineer or technical specialist with a background in complex defence or aerospace systems? Would you like to apply your expertise to support Dstl while working for MASS, an established defence technology company?

At MASS, you’ll join our team and work directly on-site with our customer, Dstl, at Porton Down (SP4), 5 days a week. You’ll become the technical focal point for an assigned reference capability (one of: IR Threat Warning, Directed IR Countermeasure, or the Controller for the overall DAS system), working with Dstl, MOD stakeholders, industry partners and platform integration teams to support integration, identify risks and provide sound technical advice.

The role requires some travel within the UK, to liaise with stakeholders in MOD and industry.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll use your systems engineering expertise across capability understanding, technical engagement, integration, test and evaluation, and assurance.

• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of your assigned capability, including its architecture, interfaces and performance.




• Review technical specifications, engineering documentation and test evidence.




• Work with Dstl, industry suppliers and MOD stakeholders to understand technical developments, risks and opportunities.




• Support platform integration, technical investigations and the resolution of engineering challenges.




• Contribute to laboratory testing, field trials and technical assurance activities.




• Assess system performance against requirements and operational needs.




• Analyse technical and operational data to produce clear recommendations.




• Prepare technical reports, briefings and presentations for stakeholders.




• Capture technical knowledge and lessons learned to support knowledge transfer.

How you’ll support us

Your technical expertise will help make informed decisions throughout the capability lifecycle. You’ll help assess system performance, identify technical risks, support robust test and evaluation, and contribute to the effective integration of defence capabilities onto operational platforms.

The invaluable experience you’ll bring, to help us achieve more

We’re expecting that you’ve worked with complex defence, aerospace or high-technology systems before, and can apply your technical knowledge to engineering, integration and assurance challenges.

Essential experience

• Significant experience in systems engineering, systems integration, test and evaluation, or a related technical discipline.




• Strong understanding of DAS systems and the technologies used within relevant DAS subsystems.




• Strong understanding of the air domain, including platforms and threat systems.




• Experience working with complex defence, aerospace or high-technology systems.




• Experience with system architectures, interfaces and integration challenges.




• Experience reviewing technical specifications, interface control documents and engineering documentation.




• Experience supporting testing, trials, verification, validation or technical assurance activities.




• Strong technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.




• Ability to produce clear technical reports and recommendations.

Desirable experience

• Experience working with MOD or defence industry programmes.




• Experience supporting platform integration activities.




• Understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes.




• Experience in operational analysis, performance assessment or technical risk management.

Our non-negotiables:

Due to the highly secure nature of the projects that you will be involved with, you must be:

• A UK National and eligible to work in the UK




• Eligible to obtain and maintain a UK Government Security Check (SC) level security clearance

Who is MASS?

MASS is an independent, global technology company, trusted by highly secure organisations to provide advanced, digital services that manage data and keep information safe. With our heritage in defence, we offer robust solutions to sectors where security expertise is essential. We work in partnership with customers, using skilled, technical experts. We think innovatively to provide tailored, agile and resilient solutions that secure advantage, so you're ready for digital transformation.

Wellbeing is at the core to our culture, allowing employees to flourish and to achieve their full potential. Our people are important to us, and we take pride in our wellbeing programmes and policies that support individuals, including mental health first aiders and readily available support through our extensive employee assistance programme.

MASS is an equal opportunities employer; we know that our people are smart, skilled and motivated and in return we provide a friendly workplace where everyone is valued and has the chance to make an impact.