Engineering Director – Underwater Systems (UWS)

About the role

The Engineering Director for Underwater Systems (UWS) in the UK will lead the engineering function to support future growth and deliver sustainable, high‑performance outcomes. Reporting to the UWS Operations Director, you will shape strategy, drive transformation and ensure the UK UWS portfolio meets its revenue and security objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, own and lead the UWS engineering strategy aligned with business and TT2030 objectives.
• Drive engineering transformation, improving processes, tooling (Lewis), strategic outsourcing (MoB&F) and delivery KPIs.
• Use data and best practices to increase efficiency, predictability and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with UK COO, CTO, domain MDs, engineering directors and functional leads.
• Partner with Thales Romania and Thales India Engineering Competence Centres.
• Lead operational excellence, capability development and resilience across a perimeter of over 850 engineers.
• Embed a high‑performance engineering culture across Operations, CODIR and the UK Engineering board.

Required profile

• UK Security Clearance (SC) required.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in engineering, preferably within defence, aerospace or related high‑tech sectors.
• Proven ability to lead large, multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
• Strategic vision with a track record of delivering transformation and measurable performance improvements.

Required skills

• Lewis (engineering tooling platform)

What we offer

• A highly visible role central to UK sovereignty and security in the underwater battlespace.
• Opportunity to shape the engineering strategy and culture of a leading global technology company.
• Collaboration with international engineering competence centres and senior leadership across Thales.