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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in designing cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles for maritime applications.
- Company: Join SYOS, a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace innovator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on groundbreaking technology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting world of uncrewed vehicle design.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in design engineering with leadership experience; strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Vehicle Design Lead to guide our design engineering team within our USV (Uncrewed Surface Vessel) production facility. This pivotal role involves leading a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software design engineers, ensuring the successful technical execution of our USV production efforts. You will be the key technical lead and interface between our USV production and our New Zealand-based R&D design engineering team, ensuring seamless collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Working closely with the Programme Manager, you will translate customer technical requirements into actionable engineering tasks, while also providing critical insights into technical feasibility and innovation opportunities. As a leader, you will drive decision-making for the design engineering team, ensuring technical excellence and efficient problem-solving. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles within a global aerospace and robotics company.
Key Responsibilities- Technical Leadership: Set the technical vision for the UK engineering team, providing direction, mentorship, and oversight across all engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software).
- Design Authority: Own and approve all major design decisions, system architectures, and technical documentation, ensuring they meet internal standards and customer requirements.
- System Architecture & Budget Ownership: Define and control the system architecture to balance capability, scalability, and cost. Align technical design choices with programme budgets, commercial constraints, and lifecycle cost targets.
- Standards & Quality: Establish and enforce engineering standards, processes, and quality benchmarks to ensure consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
- Problem Solving: Lead the resolution of complex engineering challenges, de-risking the technical roadmap and unblocking delivery obstacles.
- Team Development: Support recruitment, onboarding, and career development of engineers within the UK. Set clear goals, deliver performance feedback, and foster a culture of accountability and growth.
- Innovation Culture: Promote continuous improvement, emerging technology adoption, and innovative thinking across the team.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the technical interface between engineering and internal/external stakeholders, including product managers, OEM partners, and customers.
- Systems Integration Oversight: Guide best practices in UXV system integration, testing, and validation – from platform hardware through to AI-enabled autonomy and control systems.
- Risk Management: Identify technical and programme-level risks early, developing and driving mitigation strategies.
- Field & Product Performance: Monitor performance metrics from development through deployment, using trial feedback to inform iterative improvements.
- Communication & Reporting: Provide clear, concise technical updates and programme status to senior leadership, partners, and customers.
- Requirements Translation: Convert customer needs and business goals into actionable engineering plans and system specifications.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in design engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or technical lead role, preferably within a production or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software).
- Strong understanding of USV systems, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems.
- Proven ability to translate customer requirements into technical specifications and lead design execution.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams across different geographical locations.
- Familiarity with design tools and methodologies relevant to mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
- Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is an advantage.
- Willingness to undergo SC clearance as required.
Head of Vehicle Design, Maritime in Fareham employer: Syos Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Syos Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vehicle Design, Maritime in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SYOS and understanding their products and values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission of pushing technological boundaries in uncrewed vehicles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and tackled complex engineering challenges. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive innovation within a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the SYOS team and contributing to cutting-edge projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vehicle Design, Maritime in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Vehicle Design. Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and any specific projects related to uncrewed vehicles or robotics. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about vehicle design and how you can contribute to our innovative projects. Don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you foster team development.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include examples of complex engineering challenges you've tackled. We love seeing how you approach problem-solving and decision-making, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syos Aerospace
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and the latest trends in robotics and aerospace. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved multidisciplinary teams. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the field but also passionate about it.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role is all about leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed engineering teams in the past. Talk about how you’ve mentored others, resolved conflicts, and driven innovation. Highlighting your leadership style will help demonstrate that you’re the right fit for guiding their design engineering team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some tough technical questions related to system architecture, design standards, and problem-solving scenarios. Brush up on your technical knowledge and think through how you would approach complex engineering challenges. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires effective communication with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve previously engaged with product managers, customers, and other teams. Share examples of how you translated customer needs into actionable plans, as this will showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.