At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and oversee technical mission for innovative defence projects.
- Company: Join Zaizi, a forward-thinking tech company dedicated to national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and health perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse applicants and offering flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical projects that enhance the UK's digital infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in systems engineering and experience in defence domains required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 125000 € per year.
The MissionClub JURA is Zaizi's dedicated club for Defence. We are looking for a heavyweight Head of Engineering to lead our technical mission. You will lead the technical mission, ensuring our solutions are architected with the holistic rigour of systems engineering while providing high-level technical oversight for modern, cloud-native software delivery.
Reporting to the Club Exec, you will be the technical linchpin of Club JURA, translating high-level mission objectives into rigorous engineering roadmaps, while providing the data-backed assurance and performance reporting necessary to de-risk our most complex sovereign programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- System Design Authority (SDA): Act as the ultimate technical authority for Club JURA. You will own the architectural integrity of the 'System of Systems,' providing overwatching of design, integration, and test (I&T) technical oversight across both hardware-software interfaces and pure software platforms.
- Standards & Compliance: Own the application of established standards from ISO 15288 to Def-Stan 00-55 / IEC 61508. You will provide the engineering oversight and process rigour required to enhance quality in high-security and safety-critical domains.
- Software Oversight: While focussed on the system, you will provide technical oversight for software engineering teams. You will ensure that modern software practices (Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD) are harmonised with the overall system V-lifecycle and safety requirements.
- Performance & Board Reporting: Establish and track KPIs for engineering performance. You will provide the Club Exec and Zaizi Board with transparent, data-driven reporting on technical risk, system maturity, and delivery health.
- Team Shaping & Governance: Recruit, mentor, and lead elite engineering teams. You will mentor engineers in 'systems thinking' to help them influence and shape complex customer problems. You will instil the V-Model lifecycle across the club while maintaining the agility of DevSecOps and cloud-native delivery.
- Bid & Solution Strategy: Lead the technical strategy for major defence tenders. You will translate complex MoD requirements into robust, high-confidence estimates and architectural blueprints that navigate the nuances of commercial frameworks (e.g., DSP). You will use your experience across multiple defence domains to ensure our bids are technically sound, commercially viable, and compliant with relevant standards.
- Intelligent Problem Solving: Where applicable, identify and architect AI-driven solutions for complex defence challenges. You will ensure that AI and Machine Learning are integrated into systems engineering to solve specific mission problems such as predictive maintenance or autonomous ISTAR, ensuring they are fit for purpose and operationally sound.
- Internal Collaboration: Work with our in-house AI team and provide practical, frontline-focused input to help shape internal IRAD, ensuring our research has real-world utility in contested environments.
Requirements
- Security: Active UK Security Clearance (SC and above) is mandatory.
- Systems Mastery: Deep expertise in the V-Model and systems-of-systems thinking. You are well-versed in the application of ISO 15288, IEC 61508, and are familiar with AI risk frameworks like ISO/IEC 23894 where applicable.
- Technical Breadth: A strong systems engineering core with significant hands-on experience in IT, Data, and Cloud (AWS/Azure). You understand the 'Silicon' as well as the 'System.'
- Commercial Intelligence: Significant experience across multiple defence domains with a thorough understanding of relevant commercial frameworks, DEFCONs, and MoD technical standards.
- C-Suite Gravitas: The ability to navigate between technical specialists and senior stakeholders, translating complex technical and safety risks into clear strategic and commercial choices.
Benefits
- Compensation: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
- Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
- Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.
- Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
- Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
- Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
- Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.
- Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
- Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual 'Personal Choice' fund to learn whatever inspires you work-related or not.
- Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
- Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.
- Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.
Head of Engineering employer: Natural Resourcing Ltd
At Zaizi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Head of Engineering role within Club JURA. Our commitment to fostering a culture of autonomy and innovation allows you to lead mission-critical projects that enhance the UK's digital infrastructure while enjoying competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on work-life balance and a supportive environment for diverse backgrounds, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally in a dynamic and impactful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Club JURA and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around systems engineering and cloud-native software delivery. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It helps us keep track of candidates and ensures you get the attention you deserve. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in being part of our team at Zaizi!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can be the perfect fit for our Head of Engineering role!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical skills and experiences, especially those related to systems engineering and cloud-native software delivery. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their mastery in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resourcing Ltd
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially the V-Model and standards like ISO 15288. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this role demands a deep understanding of system design and integration.
✨Prepare for Technical Oversight Questions
Expect questions about your experience with software oversight and modern practices like Agile and DevSecOps. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to harmonise these practices with system requirements, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to lead elite teams. Prepare to discuss your mentoring style and how you've shaped engineering teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in recruiting and developing talent, as this is key for team shaping and governance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with KPIs related to engineering performance. Be prepared to explain how you've established and tracked these metrics in previous roles, as providing data-driven reporting will be essential for communicating with the Club Exec and Board.
