At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative defence projects and deliver critical systems engineering solutions.
- Company: Leading defence organisation with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in defence technology while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering, technical writing, and knowledge of defence equipment.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, with attendance at other UK locations. Expected 2-3 days per week.
Rate: Up to £550/day (Inside IR35).
Duration: ASAP to 31/03/2027, with a potential extension to 31/03/2028.
Deadline for Applications: 17th August 2026 at 11:00.
Clearance: Current SC Clearance required. UK Nationals only.
Overview
Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking a Level 3 Systems Engineer for Ops/CUAS - Systems Engineering and Integration, working within the GBAD & Weapon Locating team. The Ops & CUAS team covers two specific areas. The Ops element typically delivers UCRs and IFU/TF Kindred projects, covering equipment within the Team SQEP. These are primarily CUAS, but the team also provides more general support for Ukraine, mostly in the Sensors domain. The CUAS element supports and delivers non-UCR, Specialist C-UAS projects, primarily SYNERGIA and PRESAGIUM. Specialist C-UAS systems are manned by specialist personnel (from 7 AD group or RAF Regiment), by comparison All Arms C-UAS can be issued to and used by all personnel. Typically, All Arms C-UAS is delivered through the Dismounted Close Combat team. Engineering Management within the team is under-staffed, with the Chief Engineer post gapped.
Key Responsibilities / Tasks and Deliverables
- Support for Ukraine: Delivering IFU/TFK projects in support of Ukraine. Includes specification, assessment and acceptance of equipment.
- UCRs: All aspects of Engineering required to deliver Urgent requirements, includes market engagement, writing requirements, writing tender documentation, assessing tenders and accepting equipment. In some cases, direct User support may be required.
- C-UAS: Supporting the in-service C-UAS system (SYNERGIA) and developing the next generation system (PRESAGIUM, now in Concept).
Deliverables
Key engineering deliverables will include Management Plans, WBS and BoE to support project planning and scheduling, Requirements Documents, Systems Engineering artefacts such as MBSE models, Safety and Environmental Cases.
Essential Experience/Skills
- Technical requirements writing.
- Tender assessment, acceptance testing (ie V&V).
- Knowledge of Defence equipment and projects.
- Self-starter able to work without direct supervision.
Desired Experience/Skills
- UCR and or IFU/TFK/Ukraine support experience.
- Working with NA-M (ie DE&S), Front Line Commands.
- Domain experience of Sensors and/or CUAS.
- Integration protocols eg SAPIENT.
Additional Information
Able to work at Abbey Wood and attend meetings at UK locations (expectation is 2-3 days per week). Some working from home, with DM agreement. Security Clearance: Minimum of SC, UK National. UK Drivers Licence.
Systems Engineer - Ops/CUAS employer: Quast
As a leading defence organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and compliance. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with three days at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol and one day at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, ensuring a balanced approach to work-life integration. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees, offering opportunities for training and development within a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the defence sector.
