Software Control Systems Capability Lead

Rolls-Royce; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 152,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce is seeking a Capability Lead – Controls Systems in Reston, VA for a hybrid role. You will lead and develop SQEP personnel, align staff to work packages, and drive delivery of technical activities across groups.

The position emphasizes agile methods, SQCDP metrics, and transitioning to model‑based product lines. Ideal candidates have a strong engineering background, demonstrate leadership across teams, and can sustain high performance in a global, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or higher required.
• 5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, or 3+ with Masters, or JD/PhD.
• U.S. Citizen required.
• Demonstrates leadership of engineers and managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, engage and develop assigned personnel to become suitably qualified and experienced (SQEP) to meet current and future business requirements. This will also include leadership of other managers including assigned specialists.
• Deploy or align assigned staff to agreed work packages and lead/ provide the delivery and approval of technical activities within their functional accountability. This could include multiple work packages across divisional areas within the group.
• Play an active role in load/capacity planning for the assigned team and work with the wider function to ensure suitable SQEP are available to complete program deliverables. This includes engagement with third parties such as Managed Service Providers (MSP’s) in line with agreed Do/Buy.
• Accountable for SQCDP (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People) measures and performance for the aligned capability group.
• Lead and be accountable for the appropriate section of the Engineering strategy and drive this to completion supported by functional leadership.
• Ensure compliance to process throughout the life cycle activity for the assigned team, including as appropriate any third parties/MSP’s working on behalf of the area.
• Ensure that world class rules, tools and methods are developed and utilized effectively across the group for the accountable domain. This should focus on greater use of automation, digital tools and lean processes to drive efficiency.
• Drive and support the transition to model‑based reusable product lines at system, product system and component level.
• Champion the adoption of Agile Scrum delivery methods where applicable.
• Own the performance and reward management, HSE, export and security clearance.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Agile Scrum

Capacity planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

JD/PhD

Job description

Job Title

Capability Lead – Control Systems

Working Pattern

Hybrid (3 office days a week)

Working location

Reston, VA

Relocation assistance is not available for this position as applicable.

Why Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to create world‑class power and propulsion solutions, pushing your problem-solving and ingenuity, to deliver real impact that puts safety first.

You’ll be given responsibility and the opportunity to grow in our high‑performance culture. This is Infinite Potential. And it’s your chance to really shine and contribute to one of the world’s most recognized brands and a beacon for engineering excellence.

Position Summary

Rolls-Royce is looking for a Capability Lead – Controls Systems to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on flagship Rolls-Royce programs and play a vital role in solving some of the most complex and interesting technological challenges in the industry while being part of a global, multi‑disciplinary team.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead, engage and develop assigned personnel to become suitably qualified and experienced (SQEP) to meet current and future business requirements. This will also include leadership of other managers including assigned specialists.
• Deploy or align assigned staff to agreed work packages and lead/ provide the delivery and approval of technical activities within their functional accountability. This could include multiple work packages across divisional areas within the group.
• Play an active role in load/capacity planning for the assigned team and work with the wider function to ensure suitable SQEP are available to complete program deliverables. This includes engagement with third parties such as Managed Service Providers (MSP’s) in line with agreed Do/Buy.
• Accountable for SQCDP (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People) measures and performance for the aligned capability group.
• Lead and be accountable for the appropriate section of the Engineering strategy and drive this to completion supported by functional leadership.
• Ensure compliance to process throughout the life cycle activity for the assigned team, including as appropriate any third parties/MSP’s working on behalf of the area.
• Ensure that world class rules, tools and methods are developed and utilized effectively across the group for the accountable domain. This should focus on greater use of automation, digital tools and lean processes to drive efficiency.
• Drive and support the transition to model‑based reusable product lines at system, product system and component level.
• Champion the adoption of Agile Scrum delivery methods where applicable.
• Own the performance and reward management, HSE, export and security clearance.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, OR
• Master’s degree in Engineering with 3+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, OR
• JD/PhD
• In order to be eligible for consideration, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Requirements

• Good understanding of component engineering processes
• Demonstrates sound engineering judgement and knowledge of the Sector Customers and Programs.
• Has provided technical and professional leadership to a team of engineers and other management level personnel.
• Capable and experienced in building high performing teams and effecting a positive shift in attitudes and behaviors.

Power Systems is the Rolls-Royce business which provides world‑class power solutions and complete life‑cycle support under our product and solution brand mtu. Through digitalization and electrification, we strive to develop drive and power generation solutions that provide answers to the challenges posed by the rapidly growing societal demands for energy and mobility.

We deliver and service comprehensive, powerful and reliable systems, based on both gas and diesel engines, as well as electrified hybrid systems. These technologically advanced solutions serve our customers in the marine and infrastructure sectors worldwide.

Our vision is to ensure that the quality and dynamism that shaped our history continues into our future. It’s a bold pursuit, and we never stop striving to go further, faster, and better. We lead progress, creating the technologies that move us forward. If you’re driven to grow, to learn, and to make a lasting difference, this is where you belong.

Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics.

Infinite Potential

Closing Date: 9/15/2026

Job Category

Software Systems

Job Posting Date

14 Aug 2026; 00:08

Pay Range

$152,033 - $247,054-

Location

Reston, VA

Benefits

Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.