Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering

The Talent Locker Ltd.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy specializing in Defence seeks a Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering to lead teams on complex government projects. This senior role offers the opportunity to shape strategic directions while collaborating across teams in a supportive environment that values innovation and career growth. A competitive salary of £75-80k, hybrid working, and excellent benefits are included.

Benefits

Career development tailored to goals

Enhanced benefits package including profit share

Health Insurance

7% employer pension

Buy/sell holidays

Long-term career growth

Qualifications

• Strong background in defence or consultancy required.
• Experience leading systems engineering teams on large programmes is crucial.
• Comfortable with both detailed and high-level strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers, shaping and supporting government programmes.
• Manage requirements, systems architecture, and integrated logistics.
• Collaborate across departments to influence strategy and business development.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Engineering Governance

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Tools

DOORS

Dimensions RM

Job description

Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering
Location: Bristol (hybrid working) | Clearance: SC (or willing to get it)
Sector: Defence & Government Projects
Salary: £75-80k + bonus + excellent benefits

Are you a senior systems engineering expert looking to take the lead on some of the UK’s most complex and high-impact defence projects?

A well-established consultancy that’s trusted by government customers to deliver big results on critical programmes are recruiting a Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering – someone who can set the direction, grow the team, and make a real impact from day one.

The Role:

As the Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering, you’ll lead a team of talented engineers and help shape how they support government programmes. You’ll be setting the vision, developing capabilities, and making sure the team delivers top-quality work – from managing requirements and systems architecture to integrated logistics and MBSE.

As a key member of the leadership team, you’ll collaborate across departments to shape strategy, support business development, mentor junior staff, grow and lead your team, and ensure high-quality delivery across complex technical projects.

What You’ll Bring:

You’ll need a strong background in defence or consultancy, and experience leading systems engineering teams on large, complex programmes. You’re someone who’s just as comfortable getting stuck into the detail as you are thinking big-picture.

• Solid experience in systems engineering, ILS, MBSE and engineering governance
  Great knowledge of the UK MOD and its acquisition processes (URDs, SRDs, CONUSE, ITEAP, etc.)
• Familiarity with tools like DOORS or Dimensions RM
• Experience delivering within the UK public sector, especially defence
• A collaborative, flexible, and hands-on approach
• Strong stakeholder and team leadership skills

What’s in it for you?

• A fast-paced, meaningful role where you can really make your mark
• The chance to work on high-profile government and defence programmes
• A supportive, inclusive team that values fresh thinking and innovation
• Career development that’s tailored to your goals
• A great enhanced benefits package including profit share, 7% employer pension, Health Insurance, Buy/sell holidays and long-term career growth

If you're ready to lead a brilliant team and help shape the future of defence engineering, we’d love to hear from you.