At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical delivery of complex programmes in Defence and National Security.
- Company: Join a pioneering firm shaping mission-critical capabilities with cutting-edge tech.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and health perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for growth and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering, stakeholder management, and cloud technologies.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 98000 € per year.
We are seeking a high-calibre Systems Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex programmes within the UK Defence and National Security sector. This role is pivotal in shaping the next generation of mission-critical capabilities, integrating cutting-edge Cloud-native architectures, Data-driven decision-making tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into robust, safety-critical environments. The successful candidate will act as a technical bridge between strategic vision and engineering execution, ensuring that rapidly evolving digital technologies are deployed with the rigour and security required for national protection. You will be responsible for the end-to-end systems lifecycle, from influencing customer requirements at the C-suite level to providing technical overwatch during complex system integration.
Role Objectives
- V-Lifecycle Mastery: Demonstrate a profound understanding of the V-Lifecycle, ensuring robust requirements traceability from initial concept through to disposal (CADMID), while integrating DevSecOps and continuous delivery pipelines.
- Architectural Stewardship: Provide high-level technical overwatch of architectural design, ensuring system integrity during the integration of Cloud architectures and AI/ML models.
- Engineering Governance: Apply rigorous engineering oversight and process discipline to enhance quality, ensuring that Data Integrity and Algorithm Assurance are maintained throughout the lifecycle.
- Systems Thinking: Utilise holistic systems thinking to influence, shape, and de-risk complex customer problems, particularly in the transition from legacy hardware to Software-Defined and Cloud-hosted solutions.
- Methodological Versatility: Remain well-versed in multiple delivery methodologies, including Waterfall, Scaled Agile (SAFe), and hybrid frameworks suited for secure government digital transformation.
- Domain Expertise: Leverage experience across multiple client domains with a deep working knowledge of relevant Defence Standards (Def Stans) and digital standards.
Requirements
- Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage multiple, challenging stakeholders, navigating competing priorities within the MOD, DE&S, or wider government agencies.
- Executive Gravitas: The ability to gravitate seamlessly between C-suite executives, senior military leads, and technical SMEs specialising in Data Science and Cloud Engineering.
- Technical Context: Extensive experience operating within high-security or safety-critical domains, with specific exposure to Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning (ML), and Hyperscale Cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP) in a secure context.
- Regulatory Compliance: Strong practical experience working to established and international standards from ISO to Def-Stans and JSPs.
- Architectural Frameworks: Practical experience in applying MODAF or TOGAF to ensure coherent system-of-systems design across hybrid-cloud environments.
- Vetting: Applicants must hold, or be capable of obtaining, UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
Soft Skills
- Strategic Diplomacy: The ability to navigate complex, multi-organisational politics and influence senior stakeholders without direct formal authority.
- Articulate Translation: Capable of distilling high-level technical complexity (e.g., Cloud scaling or AI inference) into clear briefings for non-technical senior leaders.
- Cognitive Agility: The mental flexibility to pivot between the rigour of safety-critical planning and the rapid pace of Agile software development.
- Integrity and Discretion: An innate commitment to information assurance and the ethical considerations required when working with sensitive national assets.
- Technical Mentorship: A proactive approach to coaching junior engineers in Systems Thinking and modern digital engineering practices.
- Resilience: The composure to lead technical teams through high-pressure delivery milestones and complex "system-of-systems" integration challenges.
Salary £75,000 - £98,000
SC Clearance: Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.
Benefits
- 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.
Senior System Engineer (SFIA4) employer: Zaizi Ltd
At Zaizi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer within the UK Defence and National Security sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and autonomy. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through fully funded professional certifications, generous annual leave, and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Join us to make a real impact on mission-critical projects while enjoying competitive pay and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative and empowering atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior System Engineer (SFIA4)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the field. 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 the company and its projects, especially in the Defence and National Security sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly around Cloud-native architectures and AI. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up, as it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior System Engineer (SFIA4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior System Engineer. Highlight your experience with Cloud-native architectures and AI, and don’t forget to mention any relevant Defence Standards you’ve worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your stakeholder management skills and how you can bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic vision.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be specific about your technical expertise in areas like Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning. Mention any experience you have with MODAF or TOGAF, as these are key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zaizi Ltd
✨Master the V-Lifecycle
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the V-Lifecycle and can discuss how you've applied it in past projects. Be ready to explain how you ensure requirements traceability and integrate DevSecOps practices into your work.
✨Showcase Your Architectural Knowledge
Prepare to talk about your experience with architectural frameworks like MODAF or TOGAF. Highlight specific examples where you've provided technical oversight during system integration, especially involving Cloud architectures and AI/ML models.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of instances where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to share how you've influenced C-suite executives and managed competing priorities within government agencies.
✨Exhibit Cognitive Agility
Be prepared to discuss how you balance safety-critical planning with Agile methodologies. Share examples that showcase your ability to pivot quickly and maintain composure under pressure, especially during high-stakes project milestones.
