At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical missions and ensure robust software delivery for defence projects.
- Company: Join Zaizi, a forward-thinking tech company dedicated to national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and health perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with support for diverse backgrounds and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical projects that enhance the UK's digital infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Deep systems engineering expertise and active UK Security Clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 115000 € per year.
The Mission Club JURA is Zaizi’s dedicated club for Defence. We are looking for a heavyweight Head of Engineering to lead our technical mission. You will lead the technical mission, ensuring our solutions are architected with the holistic rigour of systems engineering while providing high‑level technical oversight for modern, cloud‑native software delivery. Reporting to the Club Exec, you will be the technical linchpin of Club JURA, translating high‑level mission objectives into rigorous engineering roadmaps, while providing the data‑backed assurance and performance reporting necessary to de‑risk our most complex sovereign programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- System Design Authority (SDA): Act as the ultimate technical authority for Club JURA. You will own the architectural integrity of the “System of Systems,” providing overwatching of design, integration, and test (I&T) technical oversight across both hardware‑software interfaces and pure software platforms.
- Standards & Compliance: Own the application of established standards from ISO 15288 to Def‑Stan 00‑55 / IEC 61508. You will provide the engineering oversight and process rigour required to enhance quality in high‑security and safety‑critical domains.
- Software Oversight: While focussed on the system, you will provide technical oversight for software engineering teams. You’ll ensure that modern software practices (Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD) are harmonised with the overall system V‑lifecycle and safety requirements.
- Performance & Board Reporting: Establish and track KPIs for engineering performance. You will provide the Club Exec and Zaizi Board with transparent, data‑driven reporting on technical risk, system maturity, and delivery health.
- Team Shaping & Governance: Recruit, mentor, and lead elite engineering teams. You will mentor engineers in “systems thinking” to help them influence and shape complex customer problems. You will instill the V‑Model lifecycle across the club while maintaining the agility of DevSecOps and cloud‑native delivery.
- Bid & Solution Strategy: Lead the technical strategy for major defence tenders. You will translate complex MoD requirements into robust, high‑confidence estimates and architectural blueprints that navigate the nuances of commercial frameworks (e.g., DSP). You will use your experience across multiple defence domains to ensure our bids are technically sound, commercially viable, and compliant with relevant standards.
- Intelligent Problem Solving: Where applicable, identify and architect AI‑driven solutions for complex defence challenges. You will ensure that AI and Machine Learning are integrated into systems engineering to solve specific mission problems—such as predictive maintenance or autonomous ISTAR—ensuring they are fit for purpose and operationally sound.
- Internal Collaboration: Work with our in‑house AI team and provide practical, frontline‑focused input to help shape internal IRAD, ensuring our research has real‑world utility in contested environments.
Requirements
- Security: Active UK Security Clearance (SC and above) is mandatory.
- Systems Mastery: Deep expertise in the V‑Model and systems‑of‑systems thinking. You are well‑versed in the application of ISO 15288, IEC 61508, and are familiar with AI risk frameworks like ISO/IEC 23894 where applicable.
- Technical Breadth: A strong systems engineering core with significant hands‑on experience in IT, Data, and Cloud (AWS/Azure). You understand the “Silicon” as well as the “System.”
- Commercial Intelligence: Significant experience across multiple defence domains with a thorough understanding of relevant commercial frameworks, DEFCONs, and MoD technical standards.
- C‑Suite Gravitas: The ability to navigate between technical specialists and senior stakeholders, translating complex technical and safety risks into clear strategic and commercial choices.
We actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process—just ask!
Salaries: £90,000 - £115,000
Benefits Compensation
- Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
- Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
- Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.
Purpose & Culture
- Real Impact: Work on mission‑critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
- Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
- Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.
Work / Life Balance
- Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
- Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.
Development & Growth
- Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
- Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual “Personal Choice” fund to learn whatever inspires you—work‑related or not.
- Support: Access to 1‑2‑1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.
Health & Balance
- Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
- Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.
- Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.
Head of Engineering (SFIA 6) employer: Zaizi Ltd
At Zaizi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Head of Engineering role within our Defence-focused Mission Club JURA. Our culture fosters autonomy and innovation, allowing you to lead mission-critical projects that enhance the UK's digital infrastructure while enjoying competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to your professional growth through fully funded certifications and coaching. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance and community service, we create an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering (SFIA 6)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out 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 those interviews! Research Zaizi and Club JURA thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Be ready to discuss your experience with systems engineering, cloud-native software delivery, and compliance standards. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve tackled similar challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at Zaizi. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering (SFIA 6)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see how you can be the technical linchpin for Club JURA!
Showcase Your Systems Mastery:Emphasise your expertise in systems engineering and the V-Model. We’re looking for someone who can own the architectural integrity of our projects, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples from your past work.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Engineering, you’ll be mentoring and leading teams. Share specific instances where you’ve shaped elite engineering teams or influenced complex customer problems. We love to see how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Zaizi!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zaizi Ltd
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially the V-Model and ISO standards like 15288 and IEC 61508. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show your depth of expertise and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Technical Oversight Questions
Expect questions about your experience with technical oversight in software delivery. Think of examples where you've ensured compliance with modern practices like Agile and DevSecOps, and be prepared to explain how you harmonised these with system lifecycle requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in shaping elite engineering teams and instilling a culture of 'systems thinking' within your team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss AI Integration
Given the focus on intelligent problem-solving, think about how you've integrated AI and machine learning into systems engineering. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've tackled and how these technologies can enhance mission outcomes.
