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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering activities across design, manufacturing, and installation for defence programmes.
- Company: Established engineering organisation in the defence sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Influential leadership role with long-term career stability and investment in your development.
- Why this job: Shape engineering strategy and work on mission-critical systems that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering with strong mechanical background and leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional travel and exposure to complex, regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: UK
Sector: Defence / Marine Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time
Travel: Occasional UK & international travel
The Opportunity
We are working on behalf of a well-established engineering organisation operating in the defence sector to appoint a Head of Engineering for a major, long-term, safety-critical programme. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for engineering delivery across the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacture, test, installation, commissioning and in-service support. The successful candidate will act as the senior technical authority for the programme, providing leadership, governance and strategic direction across multiple engineering disciplines. The role offers the opportunity to work on complex, highly regulated systems where engineering excellence, risk management and quality are critical to success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all engineering activities across design, manufacturing, assembly, test, installation and commissioning
- Act as the senior engineering authority and primary technical interface for customers and internal stakeholders
- Provide strategic technical leadership across complex mechanical systems and integrated platforms
- Manage engineering risk, ensuring robust governance and sign-off through gated design processes
- Drive right-first-time delivery, continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Develop and execute engineering strategies aligned to programme and business objectives
- Oversee delivery of technical data packs, documentation and compliance artefacts
- Lead, coach and develop high-performing engineering teams
- Support senior leadership decision-making with clear, data-driven technical insight
Candidate Profile
- Degree-qualified in Engineering (Chartered status desirable)
- Strong background in mechanical engineering, ideally involving complex rotating or drive systems
- Experience delivering engineering solutions within regulated, safety-critical environments
- Deep understanding of materials, gear systems, bearings, shafts, lubrication and associated standards
- Proven experience managing engineering risk and formal design reviews
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance technical, schedule and cost considerations
- Experience of continuous improvement, lean or structured problem-solving methodologies
Why Apply?
- Senior, influential engineering leadership role
- Long-term, high-profile defence programme
- Opportunity to shape engineering strategy and delivery
- Exposure to complex, mission-critical systems
- Stable programme environment with strong investment
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, this position is subject to security clearance and export control requirements. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to obtain the required clearance.
Locations
Head of Engineering - Defence Programmes in Huddersfield, Yorkshire employer: Morson Edge
Contact Detail:
Morson Edge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Defence Programmes in Huddersfield, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Engineering role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed engineering risks and delivered complex projects in regulated environments. We want to see that you can back up your experience with solid examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional thoughts you have about the role or how you can contribute to their engineering strategy. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Defence Programmes in Huddersfield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your leadership in engineering projects, especially in regulated environments, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about defence engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any experience with complex mechanical systems.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven improvements or managed risks in previous roles. We love seeing data-driven results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around complex rotating or drive systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've managed engineering risk and delivered solutions in regulated environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in coaching and developing high-performing teams. Think about times when you've influenced stakeholders at various levels and how you’ve driven operational excellence.
✨Understand the Programme's Needs
Research the defence sector and the specific challenges faced by the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you would align engineering strategies with programme objectives and ensure compliance with safety-critical standards.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves supporting senior leadership with clear, data-driven insights, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making. This could include discussing technical data packs or documentation you've overseen in past roles.
