Chief Engineer – Electronic Warfare / Radar Systems

Holt Executive Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Electronic Warfare and Radar systems. This senior role involves shaping the architectural vision for complex defence technologies, guiding projects, and mentoring engineers. Strong leadership, systems engineering skills, and familiarity with tools like DOORS are essential. A unique opportunity to influence cutting-edge defence technologies while working in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in requirements management and definition.
• Experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle.
• Must be eligible for UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop system requirements.
• Define a clear architectural vision and capability roadmap.
• Mentor and coach engineers in systems architecture.

Skills

Requirements management

Electronic Warfare

Leadership

Systems engineering

Stakeholder communication

Tools

DOORS

Atlassian tools

Cameo Systems Modeller

MATLAB

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Electronic Warfare and Radar systems. This senior role offers the chance to shape the architectural vision of complex defence technologies, guiding projects from early requirements through to system delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop system requirements, models, and architectures.
• Define and maintain a clear architectural vision and capability roadmap for short-, medium-, and long-term product development.
• Support the evolution of systems architecting methodologies and best practices, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Apply system-of-systems and product development approaches to ensure alignment and efficiency across projects.
• Provide expert consultation and systems engineering guidance, supporting design reviews and key technical decisions.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to elicit system needs, constraints, and performance requirements.
• Conduct trade studies and produce candidate solution architectures, deriving and apportioning requirements at all levels.
• Collaborate with project management to estimate costs and assess alternative solutions.
• Mentor and coach engineers in systems architecture and core systems engineering skills.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in requirements management, definition, and apportionment (including use of tools such as DOORS).
• Knowledge of Atlassian tools, Cameo Systems Modeller, or MATLAB.
• Familiarity with Electronic Warfare (EW), RF systems, or Radar system design and operation.
• Proven ability to work across engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle, including specification, verification, and validation.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and mentoring abilities.
• Must be eligible for UK security clearance.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the architecture and delivery of cutting-edge defence technologies while leading a talented team in a fast-moving, mission-critical environment.

RW