At a Glance
- Tasks: Own equipment delivery and manage testing for complex defence projects.
- Company: Leading defence contractor with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive rates, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in a high-stakes environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; experience in systems engineering.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Systems Engineer with a strong Test RMO focus and an Electrical Engineering background to support the delivery of complex defence equipment for a leading Customer / End Client. This role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, test, requirements, and project delivery, taking end‑to‑end responsibility for assigned equipment work packages — from requirements ownership and supplier management through to testing, qualification, and delivery into the wider system.
It is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy owning equipment-level delivery, working across multiple stakeholders, and ensuring technical compliance through a structured and disciplined test approach.
What You'll Be Doing
- Equipment & Work Package Ownership — Own the equipment work package(s) on behalf of the project, including planning, cost control, schedule management, and delivery assurance.
- Equipment hardware lifecycle — Take accountability for the equipment hardware lifecycle, covering development, manufacture, delivery, concessions, non‑conformances, and fault resolution.
- Technical interface — Act as the primary technical interface for the equipment with internal stakeholders and the Customer / End Client.
- Requirements & Test RM Ownership — Take full accountability for the requirements set for the allocated equipment(s), working closely with Systems Engineering and Subject Matter Experts. Ensure requirements are clear, traceable, verifiable, and aligned to higher‑level system needs. Own the equipment test and compliance strategy, including defining test needs and reviewing qualification and verification evidence. Ensure that evidence supports requirements compliance, certification, and acceptance.
- Test, Verification & Reviews — Plan and coordinate equipment‑level testing and qualification activities. Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports. Plan and chair design reviews and process gate reviews for assigned equipment. Ensure lessons learned from testing, faults, or concessions are captured and fed back into the design and delivery process.
- Supplier & Design Authority Management — Produce Statements of Work (SOWs) for internal and external design authorities. Technically manage internal and external suppliers/design authorities, ensuring delivery to time, cost, quality, and performance constraints. Maintain regular engagement with suppliers, including on‑site visits where required. Support contract and delivery discussions by providing clear technical input and risk awareness.
- Project Management & Governance — Create and maintain equipment‑level plans, showing design, manufacture, test, and delivery activities. Manage risks and opportunities, ensuring mitigations are identified, tracked, and implemented. Provide accurate and timely progress reporting to programme and systems leadership. Support overall programme governance and decision‑making with robust technical insight.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience working as a Systems Engineer or Test RM in a defence, aerospace, or safety‑critical environment.
- Strong understanding of requirements management, including ownership, traceability, and verification.
- Experience defining and managing equipment‑level test and qualification activities.
- Proven ability to manage suppliers and design authorities delivering hardware solutions.
- Comfortable owning cost, schedule, risk, and performance for equipment work packages.
- Confident stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior engineers and customers.
Desirable
- Experience working with electrical or electro‑mechanical equipment.
- Familiarity with design reviews, certification processes, and formal engineering governance.
- Experience producing Statements of Work or supporting contractual delivery.
- Background in delivering equipment through full lifecycle: requirements → design → test → acceptance.
Why This Role?
- Take real ownership of equipment delivery within a complex defence programme.
- Combine systems engineering discipline with hands‑on test and delivery responsibility.
- Work closely with suppliers and customers in a technically demanding environment.
- Develop both technical depth and project leadership capability.
Systems Engineer- Test RMO- Defence in Stevenage employer: Positiv Cohort Ltd
As a Systems Engineer in Defence, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the defence sector. Located in a hub of technological excellence, we offer competitive rates and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer- Test RMO- Defence in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills in systems engineering and test management align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with requirements management and supplier engagement clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Systems Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer- Test RMO- Defence in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Systems Engineer role. Highlight your background in Electrical Engineering and any relevant defence or aerospace experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your experience with requirements management and equipment testing, and how you’ve successfully managed stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical expertise! We want to see your understanding of systems engineering principles, test strategies, and how you've handled equipment lifecycle management in previous roles.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our defence programme!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positiv Cohort Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Electrical Engineering principles and systems engineering concepts. Be ready to discuss your experience with requirements management and how you've handled equipment-level testing in the past. This role is all about technical depth, so show them you’ve got it!
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage costs, schedules, and risks effectively. Think of specific projects where you took ownership of work packages and how you ensured delivery assurance. They’ll want to see that you can juggle multiple stakeholders and keep everything on track.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with internal teams and customers, practice how you would communicate complex technical information clearly. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed relationships with suppliers and design authorities in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around test strategies, verification processes, and compliance evidence. Brush up on your knowledge of design reviews and certification processes, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
