Aerospace Systems/Software Technical Authority Lead

Expleo; Preston; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative environment

ExpleoAcademy training

Competitive benefits

Team-focused culture

Job summary

Expleo is seeking a seasoned Aerospace Head of Function (Systems/Software) in the UK to provide technical governance, delivery assurance and capability development within a high‑assurance aerospace context. You will act as the primary technical escalation point for the sector Chief Engineer and lead multi‑discipline engineers across programmes.

The role requires strong leadership, INCOSE/SFIA aligned expertise, and proven ability to drive risk‑based decisions while shaping engineering strategy

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or computing with lifecycle knowledge (requirements, architecture, integration, V&V, quality)
• Chartered Engineer or equivalent advantageous
• INCOSE Lead Practitioner level or equivalent preferred; SFIA Level 6 experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide technical authority across projects and bids, approving key outputs and plans.
• Escalate and manage technical risk, quality and engineering integrity issues.
• Assure compliance with standards, legislation and governance.
• Conduct and oversee technical reviews and audits per project quality plans.
• Intervene on technical grounds to protect project outcomes.
• Ensure resourcing with SQEP engineers.
• Lead and develop ETLs and TLs; contribute to development planning.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering practice and capability maturity.

Skills

Technical leadership

System architecture

V&V

Safety governance

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Technical risk management

Delivery governance

Education

Degree in engineering or computing

Chartered Engineer or equivalent

INCOSE Lead Practitioner (preferred)

Tools

SFIA framework

INCOSE CSEP (Systems)

H&S auditing (Lead Auditor)

Job description

Expleo is seeking a seasoned Aerospace Head of Function (Systems/Software) in the UK to provide technical governance, delivery assurance and capability development within a high‑assurance aerospace context. You will act as the primary technical escalation point for the sector Chief Engineer and lead multi‑discipline engineers across programmes.

The role requires strong leadership, INCOSE/SFIA aligned expertise, and proven ability to drive risk‑based decisions while shaping engineering strategy