At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical design and engineering of advanced solutions from concept to customer acceptance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the defence sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities across various sectors, including aerospace and renewables.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems design and a passion for innovative engineering solutions.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Security Clearance: Must be able to achieve and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Purpose of the Job: The System Design Authority (SDA) is responsible for the overall technical leadership and systems engineering of the advanced solutions we provide. You will lead the development of these solutions from initial concepts through to customer acceptance. Beyond initial delivery, you will retain technical ownership and design authority for our systems as they are utilised, supported, and modified throughout their entire lifecycle.
Scope of the Role:
- Business Development & Front-End Design: Work closely with Product Managers to promote engineering capabilities and engage with customers and wider industry stakeholders to secure future business. This includes analysing requirements, developing solution concepts, and translating them into high-level architectural designs and system specifications.
- Bids & Proposals: Collaborate with technical leaders across the Engineering Division to prepare technical proposals and support Bid Managers in responding to Invitations to Tender (ITT) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ).
- Project Delivery: Take responsibility for the technical management of allocated projects, managing all aspects of systems engineering. Work closely with Project Managers, internal manufacturing/engineering teams, and external suppliers to ensure products and services meet agreed performance, cost, and time targets.
- Research & Standardisation: Align customer-funded and self-funded research with the division's product development roadmaps. Identify and map key enabling technologies and actively contribute to internal standardisation initiatives.
- Lifecycle Management: Own the long-term plan for product development and upgrades, working across the entire lifecycle from initial concept, assessment, and demonstration, through to acceptance and in-service support.
Knowledge and Experience: We are seeking systems thinkers who can understand the broader operational context of customer requirements and user needs. Experience across the product lifecycle (including systems design, modeling, requirements management, test/acceptance, or production support) is beneficial. A technical background or familiarity in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Sonar, seismic, or acoustic arrays
- Sensor data, signal processing, cabling, and telemetry
- Real-time systems, decision-support infrastructure, and automation
- Towed arrays, maritime cables, or mechanical handling systems
- Defense, weapon, or countermeasure systems
- Noise, vibration, and electromagnetic data analysis
- Acoustic and RF systems
- Industrial control and safety-critical systems
- Physical and system modeling/simulation
- Next-generation maritime or defense concepts
Note: Prior experience within the UK defense or submarine sector is not a prerequisite; applications from adjacent sectors (e.g., aerospace, oil & gas, renewables, rail) are highly encouraged. Candidates with existing knowledge of defense procurement may have opportunities to work embedded within collaborative industry/client teams in the South West region.
Personal Qualities & Behavioral Requirements:
- Systems Thinker: Ability to see the big picture while understanding technical interdependencies.
- Leadership & Collaboration: A natural team player with the confidence to lead multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Innovation: Prepared to challenge conventional thinking and propose novel solutions.
- Drive for Results: High tenacity, determination, and a focus on delivering quality outputs.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in technical report writing and proposal preparation.
System Design Authority employer: Morgan McKinley (South West)
As a System Design Authority, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration, situated in the vibrant South West region. Our company prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and encourages a culture of teamwork and open communication, ensuring that your contributions are valued and impactful. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions, we offer a rewarding career path where you can lead the development of advanced systems while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and engaging workplace.
Contact Details:
Morgan McKinley (South West) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land System Design Authority
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This is a great way to demonstrate your skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to system design. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace System Design Authority
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the System Design Authority role. Highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering and any specific projects that align with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical background! Whether it’s sonar systems or real-time decision support, let us know how your skills can contribute to our advanced solutions. We love seeing candidates who can connect their expertise to our needs.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key, so make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate candidates who can articulate complex ideas simply and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley (South West)
✨Know Your Systems Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of systems engineering principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of sonar, signal processing, and real-time systems, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed projects or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This will highlight your leadership qualities and teamwork skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Lifecycle Management
Since the role involves overseeing the entire product lifecycle, be prepared to discuss your experience with product development, from initial concept to in-service support. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to each stage of a project.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. Good communication is key in this role, so consider preparing a few technical reports or proposals to showcase your writing skills during the interview.
