Lead Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to manage engineering work for a complex defence project. The role requires expertise in customer management, documentation, and delivering systems aligned with customer expectations, with the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience across the full systems development lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex systems in regulated environments.
• Experience in creating high-quality engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer relationships and expectations to ensure project success.
• Lead systems engineering tasks, defining criteria for deliverables.
• Oversee all stages of system development and deliver complex systems.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Documentation

Problem-Solving

Tools

DOORS

JAMA

Job description

Job Description

Lead Systems Engineer

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer to manage and drive engineering work across the full lifecycle for a higih 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.

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 defense projects, please apply or reach out for more detail!

Desired Skills and Experience

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