Lead Systems Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Wembley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to oversee the systems engineering lifecycle for a key international programme. The role involves managing stakeholder expectations, producing high-quality documentation, and leading a technical team in a hybrid work environment. Candidates should possess solid experience in defence systems and strong leadership abilities.

Benefits

Health, dental, and retirement plans

Continuous learning and career advancement opportunities

Engaging in groundbreaking engineering projects

Collaborative environment with industry experts

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Systems Engineer.
• Experience delivering complex systems into defence customers.
• Skilled in managing customer relationships and expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering activities across engineering phases.
• Manage customer expectations and project scope effectively.
• Produce formal engineering documentation to meet client standards.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements

Stakeholder Management

Documentation

Design Reviews

Complex Systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: LeadSystems Engineer

Location: London OR Dorset – Hybrid (2-3 days per week onsite)

Salary: £DOE

Key Skills: Systems Engineering, Requirements, DOORS, Design Reviews, Documentation, Complex Systems, Stakeholder Management

The Role:

We are working with a high-profile defence client to recruit a Lead Systems Engineer to drive delivery across the full systems engineering lifecycle on a major international defence programme. This is a key leadership role requiring technical depth, commercial awareness, and the confidence to guide both customers and internal teams toward successful outcomes.

So, what will you be doing as a Lead Systems Engineer?

• Lifecycle Ownership: Lead end-to-end systems engineering activities including requirements analysis, VCRI, design evolution, integration, and formal acceptance.
• Customer & Scope Management: Act as a firm and pragmatic interface with the customer (BAE Australia), confidently managing expectations, controlling scope, and preventing unapproved requirements creep.
• Definition of Done: Define clear Systems Engineering task outputs and acceptance criteria, ensuring consistent quality and delivery across engineering phases.
• Technical Documentation: Produce formal engineering documentation to meet defence and client standards.
• Commercial Awareness: Operate with a strong understanding of project budgets, scope control, and cost-risk impacts from engineering changes.
• Leadership: Provide direction and oversight to engineering team members, mentoring where needed and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Collaboration: Coordinate across cross-functional teams and contribute to stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally.
• Ambiguity Management: Bring structure and clarity to evolving project contexts; apply initiative and critical thinking in dynamic environments.

What are we looking for in our next Lead Systems Engineer?

• Have proven experience as a Lead or Senior Systems Engineer, ideally in defence or high-integrity systems domains.
• Experience delivering complex systems into defence customers, with understanding of MOD processes.
• Strong systems engineering background covering the full lifecycle.
• Skilled in managing customer relationships and expectations with confidence and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in defining engineering tasks and deliverables (e.g., Definition of Done).
• Excellent written communication, with experience writing formal technical documentation.
• Comfortable working in hybrid environments, dealing with change and ambiguity.
• A proactive, self-starting approach with the ability to lead initiatives independently.

Perks and Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and retirement plans to support your well-being.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Cutting-Edge Projects: Engage in groundbreaking engineering projects that impact the industry.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside industry experts in a dynamic and innovative setting.

***PLEASE NOTE***

Active Security Clearance (SC) is required to be considered for this vacancy