At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex sonar projects and ensure technical integrity from concept to sea.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous leave, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in sonar systems and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services. Our purpose is to deliver trusted underwater sensing and decision advantage, working hand‑in‑hand with navies around the world to safeguard people and nurture global security. Our work spans four sectors: Mine Countermeasures, Anti‑Submarine Warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.
Our Underwater Systems (UWS) is looking for a Project Design Authority—a technical leader who possesses the rare blend of engineering rigor, strategic vision, and the "natural authority" to lead complex sonar projects from concept to sea. As the primary technical interface with our customers, you won’t just be part of the team; you will be the ultimate arbiter of solution integrity, ensuring our anti‑submarine warfare and mine‑hunting technologies are compliant, safe, and world‑beating.
Location: Templecombe or Cheadle (Hybrid options available)
Travel: 25% (UK-wide)
The Mission
In this pivotal role, you sit at the heart of the "Golden Triangle"—partnering with the Solution Architect and the Engineering Delivery Manager to turn customer needs into reality.
Key Objectives
- Technical Governance: Act as the "technical conscience" for the project, providing final approval on the Design & Justification File (D&JF).
- Customer Leadership: Serve as the lead technical voice in front of the Customer, translating complex requirements into actionable engineering strategies.
- Total Compliance: Ensure our solutions meet rigorous contract requirements, export restrictions, and safety/environmental legislation.
- Risk & Strategy: Navigate "Make vs. Buy" decisions and mitigate technical risks throughout the bid and project lifecycle.
- Verification: Sign off on the final integration, verification, and validation (IV&V) of complex systems.
About You
You are an experienced engineer who has moved beyond "doing" and into the realm of authorizing and influencing. You thrive in high-stakes environments where your decisions have a direct impact on national security.
Your DNA
- Technical Depth: Significant expertise in Sonar Systems, Signal Processing, or Hardware, with a deep understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle.
- Natural Authority: A proven track record as a PDA or Lead Engineer on large-scale, complex defense projects.
- Strategic Thinker: You don’t just solve the problem; you consider the business case, the supportability, and the long‑term footprint.
- Communicator: You can command a room of experts or simplify complex technical hurdles for stakeholders with ease.
Why Join Thales?
At Thales, we design the systems that the world relies on to stay safe. You will be joining a close-knit, friendly team that values hard work and professional growth.
- Autonomy: The power to lead and define technical solutions.
- Impact: See your work deployed in the most challenging environments on Earth—the deep ocean.
- Flexibility: A culture that respects work‑life balance while delivering on critical national milestones.
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteering paid for
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
Security Clearance Requirement
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non‑ITAR country may be considered. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority in Cheadle employer: WeAreTechWomen
At Accenture, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our London office provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, with access to cutting-edge AI technologies and the chance to work alongside industry leaders. We are committed to your development, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role as a Senior Manager/Associate Director in AI architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority in Cheadle
✨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 Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority role you’re after at WeAreTechWomen.
✨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 WeAreTechWomen 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 WeAreTechWomen.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority at WeAreTechWomen, 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 Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Design Authority / Systems Design Authority, 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 WeAreTechWomen 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 WeAreTechWomen 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 WeAreTechWomen
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with WeAreTechWomen, 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 WeAreTechWomen 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.
