Lead Systems Engineer

Defenceiq; London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to manage engineering work across the full lifecycle for a high-profile project. This role involves customer management, scope control, and delivering high-quality outputs. The candidate should have a strong background in systems engineering and be proactive in problem-solving. The position offers hybrid work with some UK travel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience across the full systems development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex systems to defence customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer relationships and expectations to prevent unapproved scopes.
• Lead and define Systems Engineering tasks, ensuring deliverables meet standards.
• Oversee all stages of the system development lifecycle.

Skills

Commercial Awareness

Problem-Solving

Documentation Skills

Systems Engineering Experience

Defence Sector Expertise

Self-Starter

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Systems Engineer role at Defence iQ

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 customer expectations. 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 creating 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 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 resilience and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to confidently raise issues and manage scope changes or project challenges effectively.

Role Location & Details

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

If you are ready to take on a challenging leadership role and contribute to exciting defence projects, please apply or reach out for more details!