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- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects that redefine defence technology and ensure security.
- Company: Join Ultra Intelligence & Communications, a leader in advanced defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private medical cover, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of defence while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field with significant project management experience.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.
Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.
The Chief Engineer is a highly experienced engineer with in-depth experience of the full project lifecycle and the associated governance requirements. The Chief Engineer provides oversight for multiple large, complex and multi-disciplinary projects, within Ultra Cyber, ranging from tens of £k to several £m. Responsibilities include assurance of project adherence to both functional and non-functional requirements (e.g. safety, conformance, quality), and oversight to ensure high quality design that is developed in accordance with the required security aspects.
Key Responsibilities- Business Development
- Maintain visibility of upcoming bids and opportunities
- Work with BD to build proposal and costings
- Review technical proposals for deliverability
- Contribute towards the alignment of Ultra Cyber Business Strategy, the underpinning Technical Strategy and the engineering plan to deliver it, articulating the shared understanding of the constraints
- At bid stage, agree an appropriate engineering design process for a proposed project and ensure that it is appropriately documented, consulting with the relevant Heads of Discipline
- Ensure compliance with relevant and contractual, international, national and local regulations/legislation is considered when bidding
- Support BD gate review process to ensure all engineering considerations, risks, and opportunities have been considered.
- Assure estimates for bids, providing sign-off against deliverability
- During project delivery, assure that agreed engineering design process is followed
- Ensure analysis completed regarding relevant and contractual, international, national and local regulations/legislation and requirements are included as appropriate on projects
- Chair Engineering Design Reviews, acting as Gate Keeper to ensure progression only with well understood and acceptable levels of technical risk and technical debt
- Oversee management of technical risks
- Review project engineering metrics, supporting the project team in preparation and delivery of Technical Project Reviews
- Assure projects and products meet the required performance and quality
- Accountable for Project Engineering Change Control
- Review project engineering documentation, setting the bar for quality of design documentation
- Approve technical documents for release, according to the DCRAM (Document Configuration Review and Approval Matrix)
- Provide Design Assurance, acting as signatory on DDP (Declaration of Design Performance), Technical File and Safety Checklist as required
- Customer/stakeholder point of contact for Engineering aspects.
- Provides sounding board for projects (security, process, technical issues…)
- Resolve/facilitate resolution of engineering conflict on project
- Escalate issues through Engineering chain
- Responsible for progressing security concerns
- Security Adviser to the project to: assure adherence to the Security Aspects Letter (SAL) provide guidance on the appropriateness of the SAL
- Provide Safety assurance through governance of the engineering development process
- Act as Authority interface
A Chief Engineer is also expected to provide wider Engineering impact through:
- Mentoring of senior engineers
- Working with BD & Innovation to provide input to technical strategy
- Capturing project/project knowledge from Lessons Learnt (formal or informal) and inputting into SQEP plans
A Chief Engineer may also act as an Independent Chief Engineer on a project, to provide independent oversight, primarily chairing gate reviews but also providing a sounding board for the project Chief Engineer. A Chief Engineer may also act as a Design Authority on a project, if they have appropriate domain and technical knowledge.
Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications- Confident communicator, both written and verbal
- Highly organised, self-managing, able to manage multiple activities at any one time
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with all audiences/stakeholders at all levels in the organisation
- Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience in one (or more preferably), software, firmware, hardware or systems engineering.
- Expert knowledge of the V-model, and good/best practice engineering process.
- Extensive experience in technical leadership and managing delivery of multi-disciplined engineering projects.
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance.
Our BenefitsEvery employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:
- Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
- Private Medical Cover
- 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
- Pension Contribution
- 4 x Life Assurance Cover
- Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
- Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
- Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance
At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We, therefore, do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
Chief Engineer in Maidenhead employer: Ultra Electronics Group
Contact Detail:
Ultra Electronics Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Ultra. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ultra’s projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate—demonstrate your passion for defence technology and how your experience aligns with our mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it’s time to impress us in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Chief Engineer position at Ultra.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your experience with project lifecycles and technical governance, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your written communication skills. Remember, we value confident communicators!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing multi-disciplinary engineering projects. Share specific examples that showcase your leadership and technical expertise. This will help us see how you can contribute to our Cyber business.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultra Electronics Group
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Chief Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of the full project lifecycle. Brush up on the V-model and best practice engineering processes. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in terms of technical governance and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires significant experience in leading multi-disciplined engineering projects. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, how you’ve mentored others, and how you’ve resolved conflicts within teams. This will show that you can not only manage projects but also inspire those around you.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with Ultra Cyber's business strategy and how it aligns with engineering goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to business development and proposal reviews. Showing that you understand the commercial aspects of engineering will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a confident communicator, you’ll need to engage with various stakeholders. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your ability to listen and respond thoughtfully, as this will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.