Engineering Manager – AJAX In-Service

Quast Ltd; Stoke Gifford; On-site; GBP 119,694 - 157,055; Full time

Job summary

AJAX Programme, within the National Armaments Director Group (NAD), seeks a Lead Engineer to manage in-service engineering, quality and issues, coordinating with lead engineers and cross-cutting pillars to sustain operational readiness.

Hybrid pattern with MOD Abbey Wood, one day/week General Dynamics, and 1 day/week WFH. Rate up to £750/day Inside IR35. SC clearance required; UK Nationals only. Contract ASAP–31/03/2027 with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
• CEng or equivalent professional registration.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering issues management and coordinate in-service activities to support operational readiness.
• Collaborate with Lead Engineers and stakeholders to identify, manage and resolve in-service engineering issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations; maintain documentation of issues and resolutions.

Skills

Experience managing engineering teams

Experience managing large stakeholder

Education

Level 6 Engineering qualification or higher

CEng or equivalent registration

Job description

Location: Hybrid – Typical working pattern: 3 days/week MOD Abbey Wood, 1 day/week General Dynamics (Merthyr Tydfil), 1 day/week WFH.

Rate: Up to £750/day (Inside IR35)

Duration: ASAP – 31/03/2027 (extension possible)

Deadline for Applications: 15/07/2026 at 11:30am

Clearance: SC Clearance required. UK Nationals only.

Overview

The AJAX Programme sits within the National Armaments Director Group (NAD). It is delivered on behalf of DG Material under the Director Land Environment as part of the Land Combat Vehicles Portfolio. This role sits within the In-Service Pillar, responsible for all engineering and support activity of the in-service fleet. The successful candidate will lead engineering, quality and in-service issues management, working closely with Lead Engineers, Engineering Managers, Engineers and the cross-cutting Integrate Pillar.

Key Tasks and Deliverables

• Lead Engineer Role – Provide technical leadership and coordinate in‑service engineering activities to support operational readiness.
• Collaboration – Work closely with the Project Chief, other Lead Engineers, and in‑service stakeholders to identify, manage, and resolve in‑service engineering issues promptly.
• Issue Resolution – Lead resolution of in‑service engineering issues impacting equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to operational availability and quality.
• Support Pillar Lead – Provide technical input, progress updates, and risk assessments related to in‑service engineering to the pillar lead. Act as Deputy as required.
• Cross‑functional Liaison – Liaise with cross‑functional teams including logistics, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure in‑service engineering requirements are met for support.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive continuous improvement and quality initiatives within in‑service processes and engineering practices to enhance reliability and maintainability.
• Compliance – Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, safety regulations, and in‑service project requirements.
• Documentation – Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation of engineering issues, resolutions, and decisions related to in‑service support.

Essential Experience / Skills

• Hold a suitable Engineering qualification and level of training (level 6 or greater).
• Professional Registered as CEng or equivalent.
• Experience managing engineering teams is essential.
• Experience managing large stakeholder communities and strong interpersonal skills is essential.

Desirable Experience / Skills

• Experience managing engineering change and configuration (Asset management experience) is desirable.
• Experience within an In‑service equipment management environment is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience managing engineering activity within a Defence Major Program (GMPP/CAT A) is desirable.