At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to innovate and modernise transport infrastructure across the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East.
- Company: Join SWARCO, a leader in Intelligent Transport Systems shaping the future of mobility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transport technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field with significant leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At SWARCO, we’re shaping the future of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
From connected infrastructure and traffic management to smart mobility and EV charging, our technology keeps people moving safely and efficiently.
Job Description
Head of Engineering – UK & Ireland
Location
Flexible – Hybrid
Salary
- Competitive
- We’re looking for an experienced and visionary
Head of Engineering to lead our UK & Ireland Engineering function, with responsibility expanding across the Middle East.
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future direction of engineering within a global technology business while playing a pivotal role in modernising transport infrastructure.
This position has been created to ensure a successful transition ahead of the planned retirement of our current Head of Engineering in 2027, providing an extensive handover period and the opportunity to shape the future of the function.
What you’ll do
Reporting to the Head of Region UK & Ireland + Middle East, you’ll provide strategic leadership across all engineering activities, ensuring our engineering capability, technology roadmap and delivery align with both regional business objectives and SWARCO’s global strategy.
You’ll lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across hardware, software, systems and product development, driving innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, compliance and operational excellence.
- Your responsibilities
- Developing and delivering the regional engineering strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Leading engineering teams across Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), including Urban, Interurban and EV Charging technologies.
- Driving the transition from legacy infrastructure to scalable, AI-enabled technology solutions.
- Working closely with SWARCO’s global Technology Services Group (TSG) and international engineering teams to align standards, architecture and product development.
- Leading Agile transformation and embedding modern engineering practices to improve delivery performance.
- Establishing robust engineering governance, estimation frameworks and performance KPIs.
- Managing engineering budgets, resource planning and long‑term capability development.
- Supporting product development throughout the entire product lifecycle alongside the Head of Products & Solutions.
- Identifying opportunities to introduce emerging technologies including AI, Io T and automation.
- Ensuring engineering activities meet all statutory, regulatory, cybersecurity and quality requirements.
- Supporting business development activities through technical leadership on bids, customer engagement and strategic opportunities.
- Developing future engineering talent through coaching, succession planning and leadership development.
Qualifications
- What you’ll bring
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline.
- Professional Engineering qualification or membership of a recognised Engineering Institution.
- Significant senior engineering leadership experience with responsibility for engineering strategy, delivery and operational performance.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through organisational growth and change.
- Strong understanding of modern software‑enabled infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and systems integration.
- Experience establishing engineering governance, standards and best practice.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience supporting customer bids and technical proposals.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience working across international and matrix organisations.
- Outstanding leadership, communication and people development skills.
- Experience within Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Traffic Management or Smart Mobility.
- Knowledge of AI, Io T, Connected Infrastructure or Computer Vision technologies.
- Experience working across international engineering organisations.
- Additional Information
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of engineering within one of the world’s leading Intelligent Transport Systems businesses.
You’ll work alongside global technology leaders, help shape next‑generation transport solutions and play a key role in delivering safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility across the UK, Ireland and the Middle East.
In return, you’ll join a collaborative business that invests in its people and encourages innovation, continuous improvement and professional development.
Our values underpin everything we do
- Agility
- Reliability & trust
- Passion
- Cooperation
SWARCO is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Milton Keynes
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Engineering role you’re after at SWARCO.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at SWARCO a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at SWARCO.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Engineering at SWARCO, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SWARCO a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SWARCO specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWARCO
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SWARCO, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SWARCO want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
