Project Chief Engineer

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Own technical solutions for EW Payload programmes and translate customer requirements into compliant, deliverable solutions.
• Develop CONOPS and CONUSE with customers and convert operational needs into system requirements with engineering teams.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineers and guide trade-offs involving performance, cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
• Manage technical risks and opportunities and support informed decisions.
• Shape future product strategy and capability roadmaps with the EW Payloads Development SDA and stakeholders.
• Assess bids and proposals for alignment with customer needs and strategic and product objectives.
• Coach and mentor engineers and encourage collaborative, cost-effective delivery.

Essential experience

• Significant technical leadership and systems-engineering experience delivering complex solutions in defence, aerospace, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience across design, development, qualification, certification, and delivery of complex solutions.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, engage customers and senior stakeholders, and provide clear technical direction.
• Engineering-lifecycle experience in requirements management, verification, qualification, acceptance, design certification, and customer acceptance.
• Experience with design standards, configuration management, system-level solutions, and customer requirements within cost and schedule constraints.

Preferred background

• Knowledge of Electronic Warfare equipment and operational customer environments is desirable.
• A relevant engineering or scientific degree, Chartered Engineer status or progress toward it, and membership of a relevant institution such as the IET are desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical decision-making skills are desirable.

Work arrangement and travel

• Hybrid arrangement with on-site work at the Luton office and UK and international travel.

Security screening

• The role is subject to pre-employment screening under the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard.
• Additional National Security Vetting may apply, potentially including eligibility for Security Check or Developed Vetting.

Benefits

• Benefits include generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 flexi-days, an employer pension contribution up to 15%, wellbeing support, eligible management-level bonuses, online learning, and flexible benefits.
• Flexible working options are available; the advert invites discussion of possible part-time arrangements.