Head of Engineering (Hardware/ Mechanical)

BAE Systems - UK; Rochester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Engineering to provide strategic direction for their Hardware and Mechanical Engineering functions. In this role, you will mentor and guide over 250 engineers while implementing long-term improvement plans. The ideal candidate will have extensive engineering leadership experience and a relevant degree. The position offers competitive salary and benefits including car allowance and performance bonus.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a leadership role within Engineering.
• Success in managing an Engineering functional department.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for Hardware and Mechanical Engineering.
• Lead and mentor over 250 engineers.
• Develop long-term strategic improvement plans.
• Define and maintain industry-leading functional processes.

Skills

Engineering Expertise

Proven Leadership

Influence and Collaboration

Education

Relevant Engineering or STEM degree

Job description

Head of Engineering (Hardware/Mechanical)

Location: Rochester

Salary: £100,000+ per annum dependent on skills and experience, plus car allowance and annual bonus

What you’ll be doing

• Chart the Course: Provide strategic direction and inspire growth for our Hardware and Mechanical Engineering functions, ensuring alignment with our ambitious business goals
• Lead and Inspire: As a key member of our engineering leadership team, guide and mentor over 250 talented engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation
• Future‑Proof Our Capabilities: Develop and implement long‑term strategic improvement plans, ensuring our functions are equipped to meet future business needs
• Set the Standard: Define, develop, and maintain industry‑leading functional processes, policies, and best practice guides, establishing BAE Systems as a leader in our field
• Drive Excellence in Execution: Tailor processes effectively for project application, ensuring optimal efficiency and delivering exceptional results
• Manage and Optimise Talent: Strategically manage functional overhead budgets and allocate resources effectively, making critical prioritisation decisions to maximise impact

Your skills and experiences

• Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience in a leadership role within Engineering, with a strong depth of experience in one or more of Electronic Hardware, Firmware, Mechanical Design & Analysis and Qualification
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated success in managing an Engineering functional department or large‑scale product delivery program
• Influence and Collaboration: Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across diverse teams
• Foundation in STEM: A relevant Engineering or STEM degree (or equivalent qualification) that provides a solid foundation for your expertise

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Engineering team

This leadership role is responsible for delivering world‑class Electronics and Avionics Systems products to military and commercial customers. Our product families include Head Up Displays, Mission Computers, Head Worn Displays, Active Inceptors, Flight Control, Maritime Controls, and Aftermarket Support.

You will lead a multi‑discipline department of over 250 Engineers, including Electronic Hardware, Firmware, Mechanical Design & Analysis and Qualification. This is part of an 800–strong growing engineering department.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Security and Vetting

Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must, as a minimum, achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date

28th January 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.