At a Glance
- Tasks: Own equipment delivery and manage testing for complex defence projects.
- Company: Leading defence contractor with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- 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 ÂŁ 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. Take accountability for the equipment hardware lifecycle, covering development, manufacture, delivery, concessions, non‑conformances, and fault resolution. 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.
What We’re Looking For
- 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
Contact Detail:
Positiv Cohort Recruiting Team
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! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of systems engineering principles. Practice common interview questions related to test management and requirements ownership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along examples of your previous work that highlight your experience in managing equipment delivery and testing. This could be anything from reports to presentations. Visuals can really help you stand out during discussions.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. So, get your CV ready and hit that apply button!
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 forget to emphasise your technical expertise! Mention any experience you have with managing suppliers, producing Statements of Work, or working through the full lifecycle of equipment delivery. We love seeing that hands-on experience!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positiv Cohort
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Electrical Engineering principles and systems engineering concepts. Be ready to discuss how you've managed requirements and testing in past projects, especially in defence or safety-critical environments.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your experience with equipment work packages. Talk about how you've taken ownership of projects, managed suppliers, and ensured compliance with technical requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your stakeholder management skills by discussing how you've effectively communicated with both internal teams and external clients. Highlight any experiences where you’ve had to manage expectations or resolve conflicts.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the role and the company’s projects. Inquire about their approach to test and verification processes, or how they handle lessons learned from testing. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is a good fit for you.