System Engineering Manager

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead a team in developing advanced defence technology solutions. The role involves mentoring engineers, driving systems engineering processes, and collaborating across disciplines. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in Systems Engineering, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. Competitive salary and benefits offered in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Strong benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in Systems Engineering within complex technology programmes.
• Proven track record in requirements definition, architecture, integration, verification and validation.
• Experience in Hardware, Software or Firmware development, ideally in Embedded environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Systems Engineers.
• Drive development of systems engineering artefacts throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure coherent system designs.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Requirements Management tools

Education

Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related

Tools

Jama

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced Systems Engineering professional ready to step into a leadership role on high-impact engineering programmes? Do you thrive in a collaborative, technically complex environment where your skills directly contribute to critical capabilities?

We’re looking for a Systems Engineering Manager to join an industry-leading organisation working on cutting-edge defence technology. This is your opportunity to shape the future of engineering systems within a growing and dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor a team of Systems Engineers, guiding their development and ensuring technical excellence across the board.
• Drive the development of systems engineering artefacts throughout the product lifecycle — from initial bid through to delivery.
• Define and improve engineering tools, processes and capabilities to support current and future project demands.
• Collaborate across disciplines — including hardware, software and firmware — to ensure coherent, modular, and reusable system designs.
• Represent engineering in design reviews and customer engagements, presenting complex information clearly and effectively.
• Manage stakeholders, suppliers and customers to ensure milestones are met, risks are mitigated, and technical objectives are achieved.
• Provide accurate time and cost estimates for systems activities and support bid and proposal efforts.

What You Bring

• Solid, hands-on experience in Systems Engineering within complex technology programmes — ideally in regulated or high-assurance industries.
• A proven track record in requirements definition, architecture, integration, verification and validation.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including experience with formal reviews and lifecycle artefacts.
• Proficiency in Requirements Management tools such as Jama, and hands on experience in the development of Hardware, Software or Firmware development, ideally in an Embedded environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly explain complex engineering concepts.
• A degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

Nice to Have

• Prior experience in the defence or aerospace sector.
• Familiarity with Design for ‘X’ (DFX) principles.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) due to the nature of the projects.

Why Apply?

• Lead high-performing teams working on impactful, real-world technology.
• Enjoy a technically challenging role in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
• Competitive salary, strong benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.

Interested?

If you are interested, please apply and a dedicated consultant will reach out to you!