Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering

JR United Kingdom; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the UK is seeking a Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering to drive complex defence projects. This pivotal role offers a chance to lead a talented team, shape the engineering vision, and influence the strategic direction of high-impact government programmes. Join a supportive and innovative environment with a tailored career development path and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Enhanced benefits package including profit share

7% employer pension

Health Insurance

Buy/sell holidays

Long-term career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in defence or consultancy.
• Experience in leading systems engineering teams on large, complex programmes.
• Collaborative and flexible leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers to support government programmes.
• Set the vision and manage requirements and systems architecture.
• Collaborate across departments and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Systems engineering

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Engineering governance

Stakeholder leadership

Tools

DOORS

Dimensions RM

Job description

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Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering, reading

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Client:

Talent Locker

Location:

reading, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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Job Description:

Head of Systems & Supportability Engineering

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

Sector: Defence & Government Projects

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.