Senior Systems Engineer- Defence

Positiv Cohort; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 82,656 - 151,536; Full time

Job summary

Positiv+ Cohort is seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer with security clearance to lead equipment work packages and ensure delivery to time, cost, and quality targets. The role combines electrical engineering with test design and supplier management in a complex environment.

This contract role requires leadership across design authorities, risk management, and ongoing liaison with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering and test design.
• Proven track record in supplier and project management within complex engineering environments.
• Strong capabilities in requirements management and technical documentation.
• Experience managing equipment lifecycle from concept through delivery and testing.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Current SC Clearance is essential.
• Ability to commute to Stevenage on a hybrid basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage equipment work packages, including planning, budgeting, and delivery oversight.
• Take full accountability for equipment requirements, hardware development, and lifecycle management.
• Produce and maintain Statements of Work for associated design authorities.
• Develop and update detailed activity plans for equipment delivery.
• Manage internal and external design authorities and suppliers, ensuring alignment with performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Conduct regular supplier engagement, including site visits as needed.
• Oversee equipment testing and compliance, including qualification and verification evidence reviews.
• Plan and execute design reviews and process gate reviews.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and ensure effective communication across project teams.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Test design

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Requirements management

Technical documentation

Equipment lifecycle

Communication

SC Clearance

Hybrid work

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and security-cleared Senior Systems engineer with a strong background in electrical engineering and test design. This contract role involves leading complex equipment work packages, managing suppliers and stakeholders, and ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage equipment work packages, including planning, budgeting, and delivery oversight.
• Take full accountability for equipment requirements, hardware development, and lifecycle management.
• Produce and maintain Statements of Work for associated design authorities.
• Develop and update detailed activity plans for equipment delivery.
• Manage internal and external design authorities and suppliers, ensuring alignment with performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Conduct regular supplier engagement, including site visits as needed.
• Oversee equipment testing and compliance, including qualification and verification evidence reviews.
• Plan and execute design reviews and process gate reviews.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and ensure effective communication across project teams.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering and test design.
• Proven track record in supplier and project management within complex engineering environments.
• Strong capabilities in requirements management and technical documentation.
• Experience managing equipment lifecycle from concept through delivery and testing.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Current SC Clearance is essential.
• Ability to commute to Stevenage on a hybrid basis.