Deputy Chief Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development

Impactful projects

Job summary

Morgan McKinley invites applications for a Deputy Chief Engineer role in Dorset to lead technical governance and lifecycle alignment within a premier maritime defense program. You will collaborate directly with senior engineers, product managers and divisional leadership to steer architecture and technology roadmaps for next‑generation naval capabilities.

The role requires strong systems thinking, lifecycle expertise, and leadership, with eligibility for UK Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience across system design, modeling/analysis, requirements management, test & acceptance, or production support.
• Leadership and mentoring experience in engineering teams.
• Ability to interpret customer needs and operational context.

Responsibilities

• Technical governance: chair technical reviews, apply lifecycle tailoring, and sanction solution architectures across the division.
• Technology and strategy roadmapping: own roadmaps, monitor market trends, collaborate with Product Managers on roadmaps.
• People leadership and mentoring: line manage, mentor, and allocate SDAs to maintain design capability and capacity.
• Operational problem solving: define and analyze customer problems, establish concepts, identify viable options.
• Program and customer support: assist SDAs on complex engagements and establish baselines for reuse.

Skills

Systems Thinking

Lifecycle expertise

Technical domain knowledge

Leadership

Job description

Location: Dorset (Winfrith Newburgh / Dorchester)

Employment Status: Permanent (Full-time, part-time, or condensed hours supported)

Salary: Competitive + Benefits (DOE)

Security Clearance: SC Clearance required (Must be eligible for UK SC)

Opportunity Overview

An opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Chief Engineer to join a leading maritime and defense technology business. Working directly alongside the Divisional Chief Engineer, Head of Delivery, Head of Business Development, and Product Managers, you will play a key role in delivering the Integrated Business Plan and steering the application of the Engineering Lifecycle within the Submarine Systems Division.

This role combines high-level technical oversight with team leadership. You will act as line manager and mentor to System Design Authorities (SDAs), oversee solution architecture, and shape the long-term technology roadmaps driving next-generation naval capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Governance: Chair technical project reviews, apply lifecycle tailoring, and sanction solution architectures across the division.
• Technology & Strategy Roadmapping: Own solution and technology roadmaps, monitor emerging market trends, and partner with Product Managers on opportunity roadmaps.
• People Leadership & Mentoring: Line manage, mentor, and allocate System Design Authorities (SDAs), ensuring the division maintains strong design capability and capacity.
• Operational Problem Solving: Define and analyze customer operational problems, establish preliminary concepts, and identify viable solution options.
• Program & Customer Support: Assist SDAs on complex customer engagements and establish baseline standards for sub-system/component reuse.
• Commercial Guidance: Provide technical direction for make-or-buy decisions across product lifecycles and represent the business at industry conferences and exhibitions.

Key Requirements & Experience

• Systems Thinking: Demonstrated capability to interpret broader operational contexts, customer needs, and user requirements.
• Lifecycle Expertise: Proven background across system design, modeling/analysis, requirements management, test & acceptance, or production support.
• Technical Domain Background: Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
• Sonar/seismic arrays, sensor data, signal processing, cabling, or telemetry
• Real‑time systems, decision support infrastructure, or safety systems
• Towed array, cable handling, or electric actuation systems
• Weapon and countermeasure systems
• Acoustic & RF systems, noise, vibration, or electromagnetic data analysis
• Leadership Attributes: Innovative mindset, strong communication skills, tenacity, and a passion for advancing submarine systems technology.

What Is Offered

• Flexible Working: Work-life balance is actively supported, with applications welcomed for part-time, full-time, or condensed hours arrangements.
• Impactful Projects: Direct engagement with complex defense programs shaping modern naval operations.
• Career Development: Comprehensive support for professional growth, leadership development, and technical progression.

Application Process

Due to the security requirements of the underlying projects, all applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).