Head of Systems Engineering — MBSE & System-of-Systems

Saab UK; Bedford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme 8%

Private medical insurance

Death in service insurance

Share matching scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

Saab UK seeks a senior Systems Engineering leader as the primary authority for Systems Engineering in the BlueBear unit. You will define the technical vision and governance to design, integrate, and verify complex aerospace and defence solutions, aligned with Lifecycle Management and UK MoD needs.

Responsibilities include strategic direction, governance of LCM activities (bids, SRR/PDR/CDR, audits), MBSE adoption, and leading engineers and SMEs while engaging with internal IPTs and external

Qualifications

• Senior leadership with multi-disciplinary teams in defence/aerospace.
• Strong systems engineering lifecycle knowledge (requirements, architecture, integration).
• Excellent stakeholder influence and communication.
• Experience managing engineering budgets and bid risks/opportunities.
• MBSE adoption and digital transformation experience.
• Design for Excellence (DfX) familiarity; UK security clearance capability.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the systems engineering department.
• Govern LCM activities: bids, design reviews, audits.
• Drive MBSE and digital transformation of capabilities.
• Act as technical authority for complex technical issues.
• Mentor and manage a team of engineers and SMEs.
• Oversee IVVQ strategies to meet safety, security and performance goals.
• Engage with internal IPT leads and external stakeholders to influence roadmaps.
• Ensure compliance with INCOSE and ISO 15288 standards.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Communication

Business acumen

MBSE

DfX concepts

System of Systems

Education

Masters or PhD preferred

CEng status

INCOSE membership

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Saab UK seeks a senior Systems Engineering leader as the primary authority for Systems Engineering in the BlueBear unit. You will define the technical vision and governance to design, integrate, and verify complex aerospace and defence solutions, aligned with Lifecycle Management and UK MoD needs.

Responsibilities include strategic direction, governance of LCM activities (bids, SRR/PDR/CDR, audits), MBSE adoption, and leading engineers and SMEs while engaging with internal IPTs and external