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- Tasks: Lead a team to develop and enhance Systems Engineering capabilities at MBDA UK.
- Company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces and promoting freedom.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while collaborating with diverse teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering, science, or maths with strong Systems Engineering experience required.
- Other info: Join a company that values diversity and supports employee-led networks.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 56000 £ per year.
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of Systems Engineering in MBDA UK. As Department Head, you will be responsible for leading the team of engineers developing and maintaining our Systems Engineering and Design Capability.
Salary: Circa £80,000 Depending on Experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to 35% (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Car Allowance: £510 per month
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Private Healthcare
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The Opportunity:
This role requires the identification of the Systems Engineering Capability strategy, working alongside multiple stakeholders across the business. Subsequently, the role is responsible for the rollout of this strategy, effecting improvements in the engineering methods and tools employed to conduct our systems engineering activities across the portfolio of products that we have, servicing the needs of upwards of 800 systems engineers in MBDA UK. This is achieved by a combination of direct interaction and support from the capability team itself, as well as maintenance and development of guidance and training material with associated training delivery. A collaborative approach with the Technical Expert community, project-based specialists, Chief Systems Engineers, SD Function Heads and the Capability & Governance team is critical to the successful delivery of the role.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Systems Engineering capability development including evolution of cutting-edge model based systems engineering, model based engineering, digital engineering, AI exploitation and data analytics.
- Support to projects in implementation of best practice systems engineering processes, methods and tools.
- A key focus is development of standardised usage of the ALM toolset (using IBM's Engineering Lifecycle Management toolset) and support to project adoption.
- Guidance, training and support to personal, technical and career development for the Systems Engineering population within MBDA UK.
- Facilitation of the Missile Design UK (MDUK) division capability working group, working closely with all MDUK Functions and on behalf of the MDUK division head.
What are we looking for from you?
You will be a leader at business and technical levels, with a passion for delivering Systems Engineering improvements. You will be able to build support and consensus amongst your team and your stakeholder groups.
Key skills:
- The ability to identify a strategy to meet the evolving Engineering business needs, and then deliver adoption of that strategy through influential leadership and people management.
- You will thrive in a changing business environment, with highly tuned communications, collaborative working and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly adaptable, responsive and decisive in a context of evolving priorities, and the ability to manage technical complexity across a wide range of activities.
- You will have a keen interest in developing people in your team and across the broader engineering community.
- Ideally degree qualified in an engineering, science or maths discipline with a strong Systems Engineering background.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Head of Systems Engineering & Design Capability employer: MBDA Miissle System
Contact Detail:
MBDA Miissle System Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems Engineering & Design Capability
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in Systems Engineering, particularly Model Based Systems Engineering and Digital Engineering. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers about how you can contribute to MBDA's future.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of MBDA, especially those in engineering roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've implemented strategies that improved engineering processes or team performance, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've navigated complex technical challenges. The ability to manage evolving priorities is crucial for this position, so be ready to demonstrate your experience in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems Engineering & Design Capability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Systems Engineering and leadership roles. Emphasise your ability to develop strategies and lead teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Systems Engineering and how you can contribute to MBDA's goals. Mention specific examples of past achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on skills such as stakeholder management, adaptability, and technical complexity management. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since the role requires strong leadership, detail your experience in leading teams and driving change. Discuss how you've influenced others and implemented successful strategies in your past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA Miissle System
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Head of Systems Engineering & Design Capability role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as leading a team of engineers and developing systems engineering capabilities. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a department head, demonstrating strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, influenced stakeholders, and implemented strategies. Highlight your ability to build consensus and drive improvements in engineering processes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to systems engineering methodologies, tools, and digital engineering initiatives. Brush up on your knowledge of model-based systems engineering and the ALM toolset. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise in the field.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to adapt to changing priorities, as these are essential for success in this position.
