Head of Engineering (Systems & Products) in Harlow

At Raytheon UK, we take immense pride in being a leader in defence and aerospace technology. As an employer, we are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence. Joining our team means being part of an organisation that shapes the future of national security whilst investing in your growth and personal development. We provide a collaborative environment, abundant opportunities for professional development, and a profound sense of purpose in what we do.

About the role: We’re searching for an exceptional technical leader to serve as Head of Engineering – Weapons and Advanced Products. This is a senior leadership role within Raytheon UK’s Engineering function, responsible for the strategic direction, technical execution, and resource management across a diverse portfolio of safety- and mission-critical products.

The role spans two key Mission Areas:

• Weapons: Delivering complex weapons systems to the UK Armed Forces and international partners.
• Advanced Products: Designing and manufacturing Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT) solutions and bespoke power conversion systems for land, sea, and air platforms.

Reporting directly to the Engineering Director, you will be a key member of the Engineering Leadership Team and a strategic partner to Mission Area Leaders. You will collaborate closely with Programme Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure successful delivery of engineering programmes from concept through to entry-into-service.

Skills and Experience

• Proven senior engineering leadership in mission-critical product development, with deep understanding of design assurance and military standards.
• Broad technical expertise across Systems, Electronics, Software, Mechanical, Reliability, and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in transitioning products to manufacturing and managing through-life support.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in matrixed environments and build high-performing teams.
• Strong track record in coaching, mentoring, and developing engineering talent.
• Financial acumen with experience managing multi-programme engineering budgets.
• Strategic thinker with a structured approach to problem solving and decision-making.
• Highly dependable, autonomous, and results-driven.
• Eligible for SC clearance, with potential requirement for DV clearance.

Desirable

• Experience in UK, US, or international defence sectors.
• Strong stakeholder relationships within defence industry and government.
• Familiarity with digital engineering tools and methodologies.
• Chartered Engineer status and membership of a relevant professional institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead all engineering activities across the Weapons and Advanced Products Mission Areas, ensuring alignment with business strategy and customer requirements.
• Line management of Senior Engineering Managers and Subject Matter Experts, overseeing a team of c120 engineers.
• Act as the senior escalation point for engineering matters, ensuring timely resolution and optimal value delivery.
• Drive engineering capability development, including strategic resource planning and workload management.
• Own engineering budgets and approve Basis of Estimates for Control Accounts.
• Lead technical input into bids and proposals, identifying risks, opportunities, and execution strategies.
• Inspire and coach engineering teams, setting clear expectations for technical excellence and delivery discipline.
• Represent Raytheon UK as a senior technical authority with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Deliver regular engineering status updates to senior leadership.
• Mentor future technical leaders and foster a culture of continuous improvement and process maturity.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Competitive salaries.
• 25 days holiday + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days (37hr).
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution).
• Company bonus scheme (discretionary).
• 6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’ with pension.
• Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work amongst others.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.
• Car / Car allowance (dependant on grade/ role).
• Private Medical Insurance (dependant on grade).

Work Culture: 37hr working week, although hours may vary depending on role, job requirement or site-specific arrangements. Early 1.30pm finish Friday, start your weekend early! Remote, hybrid and site based working opportunities, dependant on your needs and the requirements of the role. A grownup flexible working culture that is output, not time spent at desk, focussed. More formal flexible working arrangements can also be requested and assessed subject to the role. Up to 5 paid days volunteering each year.