Defence Systems Engineering Lead - Strategy & Delivery

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

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, shaping sector strategy and ensuring traceability from architecture to acceptance.

You will direct lifecycle assignments, tailor management approaches and governance, while overseeing

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Defence systems eng

Leadership

Systems engineering

Digital engineering

Security clearance

Education

Engineering degree

Chartered Engineer

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

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, shaping sector strategy and ensuring traceability from architecture to acceptance.

You will direct lifecycle assignments, tailor management approaches and governance, while overseeing