Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Transformation Lead

Sanderson Government & Defence; Reading; On-site; GBP 166,000 - 185,000; Part time

Job summary

Sanderson Government & Defence seeks an MBSE Transformation Lead (SC cleared) to drive the transition to a model-based approach. The role is hybrid, based in Reading, with a 6-month contract and daily rate of £900–£1,000 Outside IR35.

You will define the MBSE vision, establish governance, and shape the transformation roadmap across engineering and project teams, while ensuring training and stakeholder alignment to deliver expected programme outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years' experience in a similar defence/aerospace role.
• Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Service Management experience (e.g. ITIL).
• Proven experience leading MBSE transformation initiatives.
• Experience with defence/aerospace technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define the vision and roadmap for MBSE transformation.
• Develop and implement MBSE principles and governance.
• Define processes and align partner organisations with MBSE capability.
• Collaborate with Data Management and Capability Development teams to support data architecture.

Skills

MBSE transformation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Influencing

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Transformation Lead (SC cleared)

Rate: £900 - £1,000 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract: 6 months + likely extensions
Location: Hybrid - Reading (1-2 days per week)

Essential: Active SC clearance

Job Purpose

The Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Transformation Squad is responsible for leading the transformation of partner engineering organisations to an MBSE approach based on the DE&D capability provided.

This includes:

• Developing a strategy for transitioning to MBSE.
• Supporting the definition of MBSE principles that can be adopted across the programme and used to generate requirements for the DE&D MBSE capability.
• Defining the processes to be adopted by partner organisations.
• Working with partner organisations to ensure their processes, management plans and other artefacts are updated to reflect the MBSE capability. This includes considering the impact not only on engineering artefacts, but also on project/programme management and other business functions.

Accountabilities & Objectives

The MBSE Transformation function will define:

• A vision and roadmap for the transformation of programme engineering to an MBSE approach.
• The impact on governance, particularly the adoption of a "model as the authoritative source" approach.
• The tailored MBSE methodology that will be adopted.
• How the transformation affects programme management plans, processes, skills requirements and ways of working.
• The principles that will underpin the MBSE capability.
• A structured training programme.
• A model maturity progression framework and how it aligns with development gates.

The MBSE Transformation team will work closely with the Data Management team and the DE&D Systems Engineering Capability Development team to ensure the ontology and data architecture support the transformation.

The team will also collaborate with the DE&D Systems Engineering Capability Development squads to ensure the technical environment and transformation activities remain aligned.

A key responsibility will be identifying how the required cultural change will be delivered, beginning with a focused pilot before expanding across the wider programme.

Stakeholder & Business Engagement

• Communicate the vision, scope, risks and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and implement workforce and cultural change initiatives, including the creation of supporting communications and training materials.
• Define and develop the integration of engineering domains and the supply chain into the MBSE approach.
• Design, implement and support business change, enabling the successful transition of people, processes, frameworks and tools, including the development of the required training materials.

Governance, Standards & Data Quality

• Ensure adherence to enterprise standards.
• Define and maintain data models, naming conventions, metadata standards and access controls.
• Support regulatory, quality and audit requirements relating to the transformation.

Within Your First Six Months You Will

• Define and communicate the vision and roadmap for the transformation.
• Identify the team size and capability required to deliver the transformation, including the cultural change needed across the programme, supported where appropriate by representatives from partner organisations and suppliers.
• Engage with engineering, manufacturing, services, system-of-systems leads and other enabling function leaders to establish effective ways of working and a regular cadence for collaboration across the business.
• Build strong working relationships with the DE&D Product Delivery leads to ensure plans remain aligned and the wider digital transformation supports the MBSE strategy.
• Implement effective delivery management practices to control the flow of work and ensure priorities are delivered efficiently.
• Demonstrate the value of the product line by delivering the capabilities needed to enable successful programme outcomes.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum of five years' experience in a similar role within the defence or aerospace sector.
• Degree qualified in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Service Management experience (e.g. ITIL).
• Proven experience leading MBSE transformation initiatives.
• First-hand knowledge of relevant defence or aerospace technologies.
• Demonstrable experience delivering solutions within complex engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of engineering data, configuration management and product structures.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, IT and quality.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Security clearance, or eligibility to obtain clearance for defence programmes, is essential.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• SAFe certification or equivalent Agile delivery experience.
• Experience working within aerospace, defence or other highly regulated or safety-critical industries.
• Understanding of Digital Thread and Digital Continuity concepts.
• Pragmatic, delivery-focused and outcome-oriented approach.
• Comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments.
• Able to challenge constructively while building strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability and delivery.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

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