Project Design Authority – Systems Design Authority

About the role

Thales Underwater Systems is seeking a senior Project Design Authority to lead the technical delivery of complex sonar projects for anti‑submarine warfare and mine‑hunting. The role sits at the centre of the “Golden Triangle” with the Solution Architect and Engineering Delivery Manager, acting as the ultimate technical arbiter for customer solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical governance and final approval of the Design & Justification File (D&JF) for each project.
• Represent Thales as the lead technical voice to customers, translating requirements into engineering strategies.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, export controls, safety and environmental legislation.
• Make strategic “make‑vs‑buy” decisions and manage technical risk throughout the bid and delivery phases.
• Sign‑off on integration, verification and validation (IV&V) of complex sonar systems.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in defence‑grade sonar or related underwater systems.
• Proven track record as a Project Design Authority or Lead Engineer on large, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Clear communication skills for customer interaction and internal leadership.

Required skills

• Sonar Systems
• Signal Processing
• Hardware design and integration
• Systems Engineering lifecycle

What we offer

• Hybrid working between Templecombe or Cheadle with up to 25 % UK‑wide travel.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge defence technology that protects national security.
• Competitive contractor terms within a global technology leader.