Head of Transversal Engineering

NAVANTIA UK; Bristol; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Bristol is seeking a Head of Transversal Engineering to lead cross-functional engineering teams. This senior role requires at least 12 years of experience and a degree in engineering. The successful candidate will ensure the integration of critical engineering disciplines and drive innovation across ship design and construction, all while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

33 days holiday

Life assurance

Company pension

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of engineering leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in transversal engineering functions.
• Chartered Engineering status or working towards it is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Transversal Engineering team.
• Oversee integration of engineering disciplines.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Innovation

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems)

Tools

Digital Systems

Job description

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Head of Transversal Engineering, Bristol

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Client:

NAVANTIA UK

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

270d57831f5d

Job Views:

17

Posted:

01.08.2025

Expiry Date:

15.09.2025

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Job Description:

Job Description

We are looking for a visionaryHead of Transversal Engineeringto join our Design and product development team in a senior leadership role. This pivotal role will be responsible for overseeing transversal engineering functions that support various technical disciplines, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration across all engineering teams. You will lead the integration of key engineering areas such asOperability, Crewing Requirements, Survivability, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear), Fire-Fighting and Damage Control, Adaptability, Modularity, Autonomy, Automation, Digital Systems,andProduct Security, ensuring that these critical elements are effectively addressed throughout the design, construction, and lifecycle of naval ships.

As the Head of Transversal Engineering, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team, providing guidance and direction across all phases of the project lifecycle. This role requires a strong understanding of cross-functional engineering processes, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to ensure efficient coordination between diverse engineering groups. You will drive the implementation of innovative solutions and maintain the highest standards of quality and integration across all disciplines.

Ideally, the candidate will have operational experience, but this is not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and complex shipbuilding programmes, undertaking cost / capability trade-offs, supplier engagement and specification, ensuring seamless integration of transversal elements into the ship design. You will be instrumental in delivering solutions that meet operational requirements while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Transversal Engineering team, ensuring the integration of key engineering disciplines, includingOperability, Crewing Requirements, Survivability, CBRN, Adaptability, Modularity, Autonomy, Automation, Digital Systems,andProduct Security.
• Oversee the integration of these disciplines throughout the design, construction, and in-service support phases, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to project requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies for ensuring the operability, adaptability, and modularity of naval systems, ensuring they can be easily modified or upgraded.
• Develop strategies and define requirements to minimise or eliminate crew from future ship designs.
• Ensure survivability and CBRN considerations are fully incorporated into ship designs to meet operational and safety standards.
• Lead the adoption of autonomy and automation technologies, enhancing the efficiency and capability of naval platforms.
• Oversee the integration of advanced digital systems, ensuring they enhance performance, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
• Manage and implementProduct Securitypractices to ensure that all systems meet required security standards and protocols, safeguarding against cyber threats.
• Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring seamless integration between transversal engineering and other engineering teams such as naval architecture, marine engineering, and systems engineering.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence across the transversal engineering team.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of technically sound, cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise, facilitating problem-solving and overcoming engineering challenges.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring that their skills are aligned with company objectives and the evolving needs of the industry.
• Represent Navantia UK in key industry forums, strengthening relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related field).
• Extensive experience (12+ years) in engineering leadership, with a proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and projects.
• Strong expertise in transversal engineering functions, including the integration ofOperability, Crewing Requirements, Survivability, CBRN, Adaptability, Modularity, Autonomy, Automation, Digital Systems,andProduct Security.
• Proven ability to lead the integration of these disciplines across all stages of ship design, construction, and support.
• Chartered Engineering status or working towards this is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to these critical areas.
• Awareness ofProduct Securityrequirements and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards in complex systems.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A passion for innovation, problem-solving, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ideally, the candidate will have operational experience, but this is not essential.

The candidate will be subject to BPSS security checks. The ability to gain higher level SC clearance may be required depending on specific project requirements.

Additional Information

Additional Information

• Competitive base salary
• 33days holiday
• Life assurance
• Company pension

Equal Opportunity:We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [emailprotected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [emailprotected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.