FC ASW Mission Planning & Control Lead Architect

Electus Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Lead Systems Architect in Bristol to shape the Mission Planning and Control systems within a complex defence technology programme. This hybrid role requires strong expertise in MBSE and leadership abilities. The successful candidate will define system architectures, oversee architectural activities across teams, and engage with stakeholders to ensure system integrity. The package includes a salary of £62,000 – £75,000 with additional bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Bonus up to £2,500

14% combined pension contribution

Paid overtime

25 days holiday plus flexi leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Expert-level experience with MBSE methodologies and tools.
• Strong background in complex systems architecture.
• Experience in developing architectures in a product-line or modular environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the definition of system architectures and MBSE models.
• Oversee architectural activity across distributed teams.
• Collaborate across multi-functional teams to ensure architectural integrity.

Skills

Complex systems architecture

MBSE methodologies

IBM Engineering Workflow Management

DOORS Next Generation

Stakeholder engagement

Rapid learning of complex system behaviors

Tools

Rhapsody

SysML

Job description

Lead Systems Architect – Mission Planning & Control

📍Bristol | Hybrid working (3–5 days on-site)
💷£62,000 – £75,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits
🔐SC Clearance required

Shape the System Behind Mission Success

Are you a Systems Architect with a passion for MBSE and architectural leadership in high‑integrity environments? Join a multi‑national defence technology programme delivering advanced mission planning and control capabilities that support the future of cruise and anti‑ship operations.

You’ll be leading architectural strategy and implementation across a suite of mission‑critical products—driving modularity, reusability, and cross‑domain system integrity.

Your Role:

As Lead Architect, you’ll be responsible for the end‑to‑end creation and evolution of all architectural artefacts within the Mission Planning & Control domain of a complex, multi‑national weapon system programme. You’ll lead other architects, shape reusable solutions across multiple product streams, and directly influence systems design and integration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the definition of system architectures and MBSE models for mission‑critical systems
• Oversee and guide architectural activity across distributed teams
• Drive modularity, standardisation, and architectural re‑use across product lines
• Collaborate across multi‑functional teams to ensure architectural integrity
• Apply systems thinking to manage complexity across multiple domains
• Produce and maintain artefacts including SysML models, interface definitions, and verification strategies

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong background in complex systems architecture
• Expert‑level experience with MBSE methodologies and tools (e.g. Rhapsody, SysML)
• Experience in developing architectures in a product‑line or modular environment
• Proficient in IBM Engineering Workflow Management (Rational Team Concert)
• Understanding of DOORS Next Generation
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills
• The ability to rapidly learn and understand complex system behaviours

What’s on Offer:

• 💸 Salary circa £50,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
• 🎯 Bonus up to £2,500 (performance‑based)
• 🧠 14% combined pension contribution
• 🕒 Paid overtime, 15 days flexi leave, and 25 days holiday (plus holiday purchase scheme)
• 🏢 On‑site facilities including subsidised meals and free parking
• 🌱 Career development opportunities and flexible working arrangements

Make an Impact Where It Matters Most

This is a pivotal role for a forward‑thinking architect who thrives in highly collaborative, complex system environments. You’ll be part of a team designing the future of tactical decision‑making and mission success.

📩 Apply now or contact Neil Tovey at Electus Recruitment for a confidential discussion.

Nationality and Security

Due to the nature of work undertaken at our client’s site, incumbents of these positions are required to meet special nationality rules and therefore these vacancies are only open to sole British Citizens. Applicants who meet this criteria may also be required to undergo security clearance vetting to SC level.

This is a permanent position.