Head Of Control Systems Engineering

VIQU Ltd; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of specialist vehicles in the UK is seeking a Head of Control Systems Engineering. This pivotal role oversees control systems capability, ensuring the design and delivery of safe, compliant systems while leading a team of around 30 engineers. Candidates should possess deep experience in automotive or specialist vehicle sectors, alongside strong leadership skills and a relevant engineering degree. This position offers a competitive salary, bonus, and car allowance.

Benefits

10% Bonus

£900/month Car Allowance

Half-Day Friday

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in control systems engineering.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams.
• Understanding of ISO 26262 and ISO 21434 standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Control Systems strategy and product planning.
• Coach and develop Team Leads across multiple engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with vehicle safety and regulatory standards.
• Oversee requirements and system architecture validation.
• Act as a supportive leader within the engineering function.

Skills

Leadership in control systems

Automotive sector experience

Control systems toolchains

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Systems architecture expertise

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

HIL/SIL testing tools

V-Model

Job description

Head of Control Systems Engineering

Warwick - 2 Days WFH | Half-Day Friday

£90,000 - £110,000 + 10% Bonus + £900/m Car Allowance

VIQU have partnered with a long-established and highly respected specialist vehicle manufacturer producing bespoke, made-to-order heavy-duty trucks for the UK and global markets. Operating with strong family values and backed by a major international engineering group, the business offers the perfect blend of technical challenge, innovation and stability.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role overseeing the full Control Systems capability, including Systems, Software, and Electrical Harness teams, around 30 engineers in total, each supported by an experienced Team Lead. The role carries equal weight across strategy, technical direction, and delivery leadership, shaping the next generation of their low-volume, high-complexity products.

The Role

You will own the organisation's capability to design, develop and deliver safe, compliant and reliable control, software and electrical distribution systems for specialist vehicles.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Control Systems strategy and contributing to wider product portfolio planning.
• Coaching and developing Team Leads across Systems, Software and Harness.
• Conducting a full discovery of current processes, elevating toolchains, maturity and engineering best practice.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 26262, ISO 21434, and wider vehicle safety and regulatory standards.
• Overseeing requirements, system architecture, validation, HIL/SIL testing and signoff.
• Acting as a visible, supportive leader – winning hearts and minds across a highly skilled engineering function.

What They're Looking For

• Strong track record delivering control systems within automotive, truck, off-highway, yellow-goods or specialist vehicle sectors.
• Deep capability in control systems toolchains, V-Model, X-in-the-loop V&V, HIL/SIL, and electrified driveline systems.
• An experienced leader comfortable developing Team Leads and shaping multi-disciplinary engineering groups.
• A degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering and 15+ years' relevant experience.
• Someone passionate, curious and confident enough to question established thinking and modernise processes.

Ideal backgrounds include Caterpillar, JCB, Off-Highway and specialist vehicle OEMs. Those from high-volume automotive may find the bespoke, low-volume nature a significant shift.

Apply now to speak with VIQU IT in confidence. Or contact Aaron Chiverton via the VIQU IT website. Know someone great? Refer them and receive up to £1,000 if successful (terms apply).