Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering

JR United Kingdom; Hounslow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable consultancy is seeking a Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering to lead engineering teams in delivering complex defence projects. This hybrid role in Bristol offers the chance to shape strategic direction and make a significant impact on government programmes. Ideal candidates will have extensive systems engineering experience, leadership skills, and familiarity with UK MOD processes, while benefiting from competitive perks and a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Profit sharing

7% employer pension contribution

Health insurance

Holiday buy/sell options

Tailored career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in systems engineering and engineering governance required.
• Knowledge of UK MOD processes is essential.
• Experience in the UK public sector, especially in defence, is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers on government programmes.
• Define strategy and oversee high-quality delivery of technical projects.
• Develop capabilities and ensure effective requirements management.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Integrated Logistics

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Stakeholder Engagement

Team Leadership

Tools

DOORS

Dimensions RM

Job description

Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering

Location: Bristol (hybrid working) | Clearance: SC (or willing to obtain)

Sector: Defence & Government Projects

Are you a senior systems engineering expert looking to lead some of the UK’s most complex defence projects?

A reputable consultancy, trusted by government clients for delivering significant results on critical programmes, is recruiting a Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering. This role involves setting strategic direction, expanding the team, and making a tangible impact from day one.

The Role:

As the Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering, you will lead a team of talented engineers, shaping how they support government programmes. Your responsibilities include setting vision, developing capabilities, and ensuring top-quality delivery—covering requirements management, systems architecture, integrated logistics, and MBSE.

As a key leadership team member, you will collaborate across departments to define strategy, support business development, mentor junior staff, grow your team, and oversee high-quality delivery of complex technical projects.

What You’ll Bring:

• Extensive experience in systems engineering, ILS, MBSE, and engineering governance
• Knowledge of UK MOD processes (URDs, SRDs, CONUSE, ITEAP, etc.)
• Familiarity with tools like DOORS or Dimensions RM
• Experience working within the UK public sector, especially defence
• A collaborative, flexible, and proactive approach
• Strong stakeholder engagement and team leadership skills

What’s in it for you?

• A dynamic, impactful role where you can make a difference
• Opportunity to work on high-profile government and defence projects
• An inclusive team culture that encourages innovation
• Tailored career development opportunities
• Competitive benefits including profit sharing, 7% employer pension contribution, health insurance, holiday buy/sell options, and long-term growth prospects

If you are ready to lead a talented team and shape the future of defence engineering, we would love to hear from you.