System Engineering Manager

RC Fornax is a veteran-owned engineering consultancy delivering high-value solutions for complex, safety-critical systems in industries where reliability and precision are paramount. As we scale, we need a Systems Engineering Manager with consultancy experience to work closely with the Head of Engineering to develop our internal engineering capability, refine processes, and lead teams on customer project delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to have a real impact on the shape and direction of the business. As we grow, you’ll play a key role in building a high-performing engineering function, defining best practices, and influencing the way we deliver solutions for complex, safety-critical systems.

Role: Systems Engineering Manager – Growing Consultancy in Safety-Critical Industries

Salary: £50,000 – £80,000 (depending on skill set and experience) + performance bonus

Work Model: Hybrid (3 days in the office per week)

What You’ll Do

• Develop Internal Capability – Define and improve engineering processes, tools, and best practices to support the scaling of RC Fornax’s consultancy.
• Lead and Mentor Engineers – Support a multidisciplinary team, fostering technical excellence and professional development.
• Support Project Delivery – Provide engineering leadership on customer projects, ensuring high-quality, practical solutions are delivered.
• Balance Hands-on and Strategic Work – Get involved in technical problem-solving while also building long-term capabilities and frameworks.
• Collaborate Across the Business – Work closely with leadership, business development, and customers to align engineering efforts with business growth.

What You Bring

• Broad Engineering Experience – A solid technical foundation in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., systems, software, electronics, mechanical, or similar), with experience in safety-critical industries such as defence, aerospace, or national infrastructure.
• Full Lifecycle Understanding – previous exposure to and awareness of the full systems engineering lifecycle.
• Consultancy & People Leadership Experience – Ideally, experience working in a consultancy environment and leading teams or projects in a client-facing capacity.
• Industry Qualifications – Ideally Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards it, or equivalent industry-recognised qualifications such as CSEP.
• Outstanding People Skills – The ability to engage, motivate, and develop engineers while building strong relationships across teams and with customers.
• Adaptability & Emotional Intelligence – Comfortable switching between technical problem-solving, strategic planning, and people leadership.
• Strategic Growth Oriented Mindset – Able to think forward. Planning for the “to be” while keeping on top of the “as-is”.
• Process & Quality Focus – Experience developing engineering frameworks, standards, and assurance processes.
• Entrepreneurial Energy – Thrives in a fast-paced, growing organisation and is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the function.

Why Join Us?

• Real Impact – Shape the future of RC Fornax’s engineering function and influence the direction of the business.
• Growth Opportunity – Be part of a rapidly expanding business with career progression potential.
• Cutting-Edge Work – Engage with complex, safety-critical systems in high-value industries.
• Dynamic & Supportive Environment – Work alongside industry experts in a veteran-owned consultancy that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Flexible Working – Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model, with 3 days in the office per week.