Defence Systems Engineering Lead

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Chartership & development support

Wellbeing & flexible benefits

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Defence Systems Engineering Lead to grow our Defence systems capability and lead high‑quality delivery across complex programmes. You will shape sector strategy, manage senior client relationships and supervise multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective evidence, architecture, and governance from concept to delivery.

The role sits in our Systems Engineering, Integration and Assurance group, offering leadership across projects with a focus on mature engineering practices,

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Leadership on complex Defence or safety-critical programmes.
• Strong UK Defence market knowledge and acquisition environment.
• Proven track record in developing strategies, pipelines and winning work.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy for Defence systems engineering and market growth.
• Direct lifecycle assignments with tailored management, plans and governance.
• Oversee architectures, requirements, interfaces, configuration and verification across teams.

Skills

Defence leadership

Systems engineering

Digital engineering

Stakeholder leadership

Multidisciplinary teams

Security clearance readiness

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Chartered Engineer status

INCOSE/IfSE certification

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is recruiting a Defence Systems Engineering Lead to grow our Defence systems capability, strengthen client relationships and lead high-quality delivery across complex programmes.

This senior role sits within our Systems Engineering, Integration and Assurance team and works closely with WSP’s Defence business. You will shape sector strategy and propositions while maintaining a clear line of sight from operational outcomes to architecture, requirements, interfaces, evidence and acceptance.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Set the strategy and grow the market: Own the Defence systems engineering strategy, track market and policy developments, build trusted senior client relationships, shape differentiated propositions and lead capture plans, bids and commercially robust proposals.
• Lead systems delivery and technical governance: Direct assignments across the lifecycle, tailoring management approaches, plans, reviews and assurance so that evidence supports timely decisions.
• Integrate the whole system and manage performance: Oversee concepts, architectures, requirements, interfaces, configuration and verification across multidisciplinary teams, balancing capability, affordability, schedule, safety, security, quality, commercial performance and client satisfaction.
• Grow WSP’s capability and provide visible leadership: Connect teams across the business, recruit and mentor practitioners, strengthen communities of practice, represent WSP in industry forums and set clear expectations for collaboration, professional development and sustainable growth.

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Professional standing and Defence experience: A relevant degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer status or comparable professional recognition is preferred, with INCOSE or IfSE certification desirable; significant leadership experience on complex Defence or other safety- and security-critical programmes and a strong understanding of the UK Defence market and acquisition environment.
• Growth and commercial success: A proven record of developing strategies and pipelines, building senior client relationships, winning work, leading major bids and delivering commercially successful consultancy assignments.
• Systems engineering and digital expertise: Strong lifecycle knowledge across concepts, architecture, requirements, interfaces, configuration, integration, verification, validation, acceptance and assurance, with experience of digital engineering or model-based systems engineering, relevant tools and technical governance.
• Influential and collaborative leadership: Credibility with senior stakeholders, experience leading multidisciplinary teams and facilitating difficult decisions, and a One WSP approach that promotes inclusion, mentoring, knowledge sharing and high performance; an established Defence network would be advantageous.
• Security clearance: The ability to obtain and maintain the level of UK national security clearance required for the role and relevant assignments.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.