Digital Engineering - Systems Capability Lead

Cirrus Selection; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a Digital Engineering - Systems Capability Lead. This pivotal role focuses on advancing digital engineering capabilities and leading initiatives in Model Based Systems Engineering. The position offers the chance to influence major projects and promote innovative digital technologies in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Annual bonus: Up to 21.25% based on company performance

Pension scheme: Up to 14% combined contribution

Flexible working patterns

Parental support policies

On-site restaurant and free parking

Qualifications

• Strong leadership qualities with hands-on experience in MBSE.
• Thorough understanding of systems engineering principles and practices.
• Proven ability to deliver new engineering capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Drive MBSE approaches across UK projects.
• Support E2E MBE initiatives and improve cross-domain collaboration.
• Lead application of generative AI tools within engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Systems Engineering Principles

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Education

Relevant degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

MBSE (Model Based Systems Engineering)

Job description

Location: Stevenage (Hybrid working – typically 2–3 days on-site per week)
Salary: Up to £60,000 (depending on experience)
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a dual UK national with British citizenship
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Overview
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Digital Engineering - Systems Capability Lead to join a world-leading defence organisation, recognised for its innovation and cutting-edge technology. This is a key leadership position within a pioneering team focused on advancing and deploying digital engineering capabilities across complex systems programmes in the UK.
The business is at the forefront of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) within the defence sector and is currently driving an exciting transformation towards full End-to-End Model Based Engineering (E2E MBE). This role offers the chance to shape that journey, influence major projects, and lead next-generation capability development.
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The Opportunity
You will be joining the Systems Engineering and Design Capability (SE&DC) department, which provides expertise, training, and support across UK projects. Your role will focus on delivering technical leadership, shaping best practices, and deploying innovative digital technologies within the systems engineering landscape.
Key responsibilities include:
• Driving the ongoing development and practical deployment of MBSE approaches across UK projects
• Supporting E2E MBE initiatives and improving collaboration between engineering domains through advanced modelling
• Leading the exploration and application of generative AI tools within the systems engineering function
• Advancing engineering data modelling, governance, and analytics, ensuring effective adoption on live programmes
• Documenting and disseminating best practice across engineering communities
• Delivering expert consultancy, education, and coaching across national and international teams
• Maintaining currency in technical domains and growing internal capability

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What we’re looking for from you:
We’re looking for an experienced systems engineer with strong leadership qualities and a passion for digital transformation. You’ll need to be comfortable leading cross-functional initiatives and introducing new capabilities into complex engineering environments.
Ideal candidates will have:
• A thorough understanding of systems engineering principles and practices
• Hands-on experience with MBSE in a real-world project setting
• Knowledge or strong interest in digital engineering and MBE technologies
• A proven ability to deliver new engineering capabilities in large organisations
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• A relevant degree or equivalent in a related technical discipline
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Benefits:
• Annual bonus: Up to 21.25% based on company performance
• Pension scheme: Up to 14% combined employer/employee contribution
• Flexible working: The business actively supports flexible working patterns
• Parental support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and fertility policies
• Facilities: On-site restaurant, free parking, and more
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About the company
The business is a world class leader in the design, development and manufacture of Land, Air and Marine based defence systems. They have a very warm and welcoming culture, are an inclusive business promoting internal networking amongst groups from neurodiversity, ethnic diversity through to gender equality. They are a three-time gold investor in people award winner and a leader in championing women in engineering.
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How to apply
If you’re ready to be part of a transformational journey in digital systems engineering and thrive in a role that combines innovation, collaboration, and influence, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
For more information or to apply, contact us today.