Head of Electronic Engineering

Saab UK; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and security company in the UK is seeking a Head of Electronics to lead a team of engineers in designing and prototyping safety-critical electronic systems. This role demands extensive experience in electronics hardware design and proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously. Candidates must be well-versed in DO-254 processes and hold Chartered Engineering status. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovations in areas like underwater robotics and AI, all while supporting societal security.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of experience in electronics hardware design across digital and mixed-signal systems.
• Strong knowledge of DO-254 processes.
• At least 5 years of extensive wiring and PCB rework experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of electronic engineers.
• Own and drive the electronic hardware design lifecycle.
• Work cross-functionally with various engineering teams.

Skills

Project management

Electronics hardware design

Attention to detail

Time management

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Chartered / Incorporated Engineering Status

Job description

Introduction

Saab in UK is growing rapidly, with over 500 colleagues across eight sites. We bring together Swedish heritage and British expertise to drive innovation in areas such as software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. Joining Saab in UK means contributing to the security and resilience of society while building a career with real scope for personal and professional growth.

The Role

This role will be part of our BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire.

This Head of Electronics position will head up the electronics design and prototyping department, leading overall design and managing a team of electronic engineers.

This role is suited to a person with extensive experience in detailed electronic design, strong leadership capability, and extensive knowledge of safety‑and‑mission‑critical development environments, including DO-254 compliance and controlled design documentation processes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of electronic engineers (8‑10 staff) across multiple programmes.

Define team objectives, competency development plans, and performance goals aligned with business needs.

Foster a culture focused on engineering excellence, traceability, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technical Leadership & Design Execution

Own and drive the electronic hardware design lifecycle from requirements capture through to production release. Acting as the design authority.

Lead detailed design activities for digital, mixed‑signal, Application Processor and FPGA‑based, and high‑reliability systems.

Oversee complex circuit design, worst‑case analysis, component derating, power integrity assessment, and reliability engineering.

Provide expert review and approval of schematics, PCB layouts, component selection, and detailed design documentation.

Design Standardisation & Quality Governance

Act as the organisational Subject Matter Expert for DO-254 processes, standards, and industry best practice.

Maintain design assurance processes and verification traceability across safety‑critical electronics developments.

Oversee configuration control, Verification and Validation activities.

Project & Stakeholder Coordination

Work cross‑functionally with Systems Engineering, Software, Mechanical, Test, and Programme Management teams to ensure aligned delivery.

Support bid development, cost estimation, design planning, and reporting to internal and customer stakeholders.

Ensure workloads, priorities, project risks, and dependencies are managed effectively to meet schedule commitments.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential

• Strong project and programme management experience.
• 15-20 years experience in electronics hardware design across digital and mixed signal systems
• Chartered / Incorporated Engineering Status
• Experience applying and designing to DO-254
• At least 5 years of extensive wiring and PCB rework experience.
• Significant expertise in detailed electronics hardware design.
• Detailed understanding of the electronics manufacturing processes
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Process driven, ability to read legislation and implement processes to ensure adherence.
• Experience managing 5+ projects / programmes at a time with many stakeholders.
• Excellent time management / prioritisation skills
• Highly organised and able to work multi projects in fast paced environment
• Adaptable personality with professional approach
• Leading a team
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organisation skills
• Conscientious, with a proactive work ethic

Desirable

• Experience working on many projects at once and managing your time effectively.
• Experience of interfacing with subcontractors
• Experience writing VHDL or Verilog
• Experience writing embedded C and Python

Subject to UK MoD security clearance vetting to a minimum SC level.

As a National Security Vetting clearance is required for this role, applicants will be required to hold National Security Vetting clearance to SC level or have the ability to gain it.