Lead Systems Engineer

Matchtech; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense sector seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to oversee complex projects. The ideal candidate will manage customer expectations, drive the full lifecycle development, and ensure high-quality outputs. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to work in dynamic environments on significant defense contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience across the full systems development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to deliver complex systems in the defence sector.
• Strong commercial awareness and customer management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer relationships and project requirements.
• Lead Systems Engineering tasks and ensure deliverables meet standards.
• Oversee all stages of the system development lifecycle.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Leadership

Documentation

Commercial awareness

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Job description

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Want to join a company with over 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering highly bespoke solutions to customers globally?

Key skills required for this role

Systems Engineering, Leadership, Full Lifecycle, Documentation, Complex Systems, Commercial awareness, DOORS, JAMA, Hybrid working, Maritime, Defence.

Important

Candidates must be eligible to obtain a SC (Security) clearance.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to manage and drive engineering work across the full lifecycle for a high-profile, complex defence project. This role will be key in ensuring effective customer management, scope control, and delivering high-quality outputs aligned with the expectations of the customer. If you are a proactive, commercial-minded engineer with a track record in systems engineering, this is an exciting opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer and Scope Management: Manage customer relationships and expectations to prevent unapproved scopes, ensuring that all project requirements are aligned and approved.

Systems Engineering Leadership: Lead and define Systems Engineering tasks, including the creation of clear Definition of Done (DoD) criteria and ensuring deliverables meet these standards.

Full Lifecycle Management: Oversee all stages of the system development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, VCRI, design modifications, full system integration, and formal acceptance.

Complex Systems Delivery: Apply broad experience in delivering complex systems to defence customers, ensuring all technical and contractual requirements are met.

Documentation Expertise: Write and review formal engineering documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

Initiative and Problem Solving: Take initiative in problem-solving and proactively address any challenges, especially in dynamic and changing environments.

Adaptability: Remain effective and efficient in ambiguous or evolving situations, providing clear direction when needed.

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of commercial aspects, with the ability to manage customer expectations and business priorities.

Systems Engineering Experience: Proven experience across the full systems development lifecycle.

Defence Sector Expertise: Demonstrated ability to deliver complex systems to defence customers, particularly in regulated and high-stakes environments.

Documentation Skills: Experience in creating high-quality, formal engineering documentation tailored for specific customers.

Self-Starter: A pragmatic, proactive approach, with a high level of resilience and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Problem-Solving: Ability to confidently raise issues and manage scope changes or project challenges effectively.

Hybrid Work: Onsite at Greenford or Weymouth, 2-3 days per week with some UK travel.

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Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience