Systems Engineering Manager

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading British engineering company as an Engineering Manager. This role is crucial for driving change in a high-performing engineering function within aerospace and defence technology. You will lead a dynamic team, promote continuous improvement, and shape the future of engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Confident leader with experience in safety-critical sectors.
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams.
• Experience in the full product lifecycle and systems engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape a team delivering mission-critical subsystems.
• Drive continuous improvement and performance conversations.
• Coach, mentor, and develop engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Analytical Thinking

Systems Engineering

Continuous Improvement

Job description

Job Description

Systems Engineering Leadership Role | Be the Catalyst for Change

Commutable from: Surrey, Berks, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Oxfordshire

What if your next move wasn’t just another job… but a mission?

We're supporting a world-renowned British engineering business that operates at the cutting edge of aerospace and defence technology. The work is complex. The stakes are high. The impact is real.

They’re now looking for an Engineering Manager who can do more than just manage—someone ready to challenge the status quo, drive change, and lead with purpose.

This role isn’t about keeping things ticking over. It’s about transformation. About taking a team with strong foundations and evolving it into a high-performing, forward-thinking engineering function. You'll bring energy, direction, and a mindset that’s always asking “Why?”—and more importantly, “Why not?

What They’re Looking For:

• A confident, credible leader with gravitas and a proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams
• Someone who thrives in a systems engineering environment and understands the full product lifecycle
• A resilient and pragmatic thinker who can challenge stakeholders, inspire change, and push through resistance
• Experience in safety-critical or highly regulated sectors (defence, aerospace, etc.)
• A natural problem solver—analytical, strategic, and sharp
• Someone who brings structure, maturity and vision to a growing engineering team

The Opportunity:

• Lead and shape a team delivering mission-critical subsystems
• Drive continuous improvement, performance conversations, and capability uplift
• Coach, mentor and develop your engineers—not just to do the work, but to own it
• Partner with programme, systems, mechanical, software and electronics teams
• Help steer the function through change and growth—leaving a legacy of excellence

If you’re currently in a comfortable leadership role but feeling like it’s all become a little too routine—this is your opportunity to step into something that matters. It’s challenging. It’s exciting. And it needs someone who can think like a maverick while delivering like a pro.

Message me in confidence for more information or apply now