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For Companies 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 expertise in systems engineering and active UK Security Clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 115000 ÂŁ 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: ÂŁ90,000 - ÂŁ115,000
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
Contact Detail:
Zaizi Recruiting Team
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 and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss specific projects you've led that demonstrate your systems engineering expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical chops! Bring along a portfolio of your past work or case studies that highlight your achievements in systems engineering and software delivery. This will not only impress the interviewers but also give them a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Zaizi. So, get that application in and let’s make some waves together!
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 your experience with systems engineering and cloud-native software delivery. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Club JURA!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your knowledge of standards like ISO 15288 and IEC 61508. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a deep understanding of these frameworks and how they apply to high-security domains.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As the Head of Engineering, you’ll be leading elite teams. Share examples of how you’ve mentored engineers or shaped team dynamics in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zaizi
✨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 role demands a deep understanding of these frameworks.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll be leading teams and mentoring engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-stakes environments. Highlight your experience in shaping engineering culture and driving performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Oversight Questions
Expect questions about your approach to technical oversight, especially regarding software engineering practices like Agile and DevSecOps. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance with safety and quality standards while maintaining agility in delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires navigating complex commercial frameworks and defence domains. Prepare to discuss your experience with MoD requirements and how you've translated them into successful bids or solutions. Show that you understand the balance between technical soundness and commercial viability.