Programme Engineering Manager

Matchtech; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits within a leading defence and aerospace organisation, renowned for its commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. The Programme Engineering Manager will play a pivotal role in driving complex development programmes, ensuring timely delivery within budget and quality standards. This hands-on position requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership, where you'll manage multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration to achieve mission-critical objectives. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of defence and security, while working on cutting-edge technologies that enhance global safety and connectivity.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading electronic product development in defence.
• Experience in transitioning products to manufacture and supporting production.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and scheduling of engineering work packages.
• Provide updates and progress reports to programme leadership.
• Coach and mentor engineering staff for technical excellence.

Skills

Programme Engineering Management

Defence Sector Experience

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Engineering or Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Glenrothes 3 days a week (Friday morning and one other day from home)

Key skills required for this role

Programme Engineering Manager, Defence, Contract, Hands-on, Mission-critical product development, qualification and production, delivery, quality, schedule and cost management, planning, tracking, support, reporting, stakeholder management.

Important

Programme Engineering Manager

Exciting Opportunity with a Leading Defence and Aerospace Organisation

My client is a leading name in the defence and aerospace sector, renowned for innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to advancing national security technologies. They offer a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to impactful, mission-critical programmes.

This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of defence and security, all while working on cutting-edge technologies that make the world safer and more connected.

Client Capabilities Include:

• Manufacturing of advanced Control Actuation Systems, Guidance Electronic Units, and bespoke Power Products for major missile programmes in the UK and internationally.
• Development and provision of GPS Anti-Jamming solutions across land, sea, and air platforms.
• Operation of a dedicated, high-volume, space-grade manufacturing facility supported by a highly skilled engineering workforce.

The Role: Programme Engineering Manager

My client is seeking a hands-on, experienced Programme Engineering Manager to lead engineering execution within their Power business, which has a strong track record in delivering tailored military power supply solutions. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving engineering efforts on a complex development programme—managing multidisciplinary teams to deliver on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This role is technical in nature, acting as a bridge between the Engineering team and the wider Programme organisation, with accountability for execution and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and scheduling of engineering work packages; define, challenge, and validate plans using Microsoft Project.
• Apply visual management techniques to prioritise and drive programme execution at both strategic and task levels.
• Provide regular updates and progress reports to programme leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Act as a key support figure for engineers, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and issue resolution.
• Maintain technical quality by working closely with the Programme Design Authority and Chief Engineer.
• Own risk and change management processes for all engineering deliverables.
• Coach and mentor engineering staff, promoting technical excellence and leadership development.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Proven track record leading electronic product development, qualification, and certification within high-integrity or defence environments.
• Experience in transitioning products to manufacture and supporting production activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
• Effective leadership within matrix organisations, with a structured and disciplined approach to problem solving.
• Independent, resilient, and highly results-oriented.

About the Client's Organisation:

This opportunity sits within a UK-based division of a global technology leader, with operations supporting aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. The broader organisation employs over 180,000 people worldwide and significantly contributes to regional and national economies through job creation, innovation, and investment.

In the UK alone, the company supports over 35,000 jobs across multiple sites and works with more than 4,000 suppliers, contributing over £2.7 billion annually to the economy.

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