At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative defence technology projects and ensure high-quality engineering standards.
- Company: Join Ultra Intelligence & Communications, a leader in advanced cyber solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical cover, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field with significant project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications Cyber (UK) Business Powering Decision. 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.
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
- Technical Governance of Bids
- 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
- Technical Governance of Projects
- 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
- 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) and 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
Security Clearance
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance.
Notice
Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
Our Benefits
- 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
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
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 I&C
Ultra Intelligence & Communications Cyber is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose in the defence technology sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including private medical cover and flexible working hours, and a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to critical projects that ensure global security. Located in the UK, this role provides the unique opportunity to lead complex engineering initiatives that make a tangible impact on national and international safety.
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 defence tech industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Ultra. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Ultra’s projects and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss specific engineering challenges you've tackled in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your work or case studies that highlight your engineering prowess. This is your chance to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed complex projects and ensured high-quality outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
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 to highlight your experience that aligns with the Chief Engineer role. We want to see how your skills fit into our mission of redefining defence technology!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about the projects you’ve led and the impact you’ve made. We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in managing complex engineering projects, so make it shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to technical details. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultra I&C
✨Know Your Engineering Processes
Make sure you’re well-versed in 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
As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored engineers or managed complex projects, highlighting your communication and interpersonal skills.
✨Understand the Security Aspects
Familiarise yourself with the Security Aspects Letter (SAL) and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your projects. This is crucial for the role, so showing your knowledge here will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Reviews
Anticipate questions about how you conduct Engineering Design Reviews and manage technical risks. Think of specific instances where you’ve chaired reviews or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability as a gatekeeper in the engineering process.
