System Design Authority

About the role

The System Design Authority will provide overall technical leadership and systems‑engineering oversight for high‑value defence and maritime solutions. You will guide concepts from initial capture through customer acceptance and retain responsibility for the design throughout its operational life. The role offers full training and support for candidates transitioning into this sector.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with product managers and external stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into high‑level architectures and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering leaders and bid managers to produce winning technical proposals, tender responses and quotations.
• Provide technical management across allocated projects, ensuring performance, cost and schedule targets are met in close alignment with project and manufacturing teams.
• Define and own long‑term product development plans, driving R&D, technology road‑maps and standardisation initiatives.
• Maintain end‑to‑end technical authority over systems throughout all lifecycle phases, from concept and demonstration to in‑service support.

Required profile

• Systems thinker with a strong understanding of the broader operational context of customer requirements.
• Experience in high‑integrity engineering sectors is beneficial, but not mandatory; transferable skills from related domains are welcome.
• Ability to achieve UK Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to do so.

Required skills

• Systems engineering
• Sonar and acoustic systems
• Seismic arrays
• RF systems
• Sensor data and signal processing
• Telemetry and cabling
• Real‑time processing and decision‑support systems

What we offer

• Flexible working patterns and a strong work‑life balance.
• Continuous professional development and training for sector transition.
• Opportunity to lead technical direction in cutting‑edge defence and maritime projects.