Systems Engineering Manager

Role: Systems Engineering Manager Location: Berkshire (Onsite) Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Allowance I’m partnering with a leading UK defence technology organisation delivering advanced mission-critical systems that operate across land, maritime and airborne domains. We’re looking for an experienced Engineering Leader to take full ownership of engineering delivery across complex, regulated programmes. This is a high-impact role leading multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring delivery to scope, cost, schedule and governance standards aligned to ISO 15288 lifecycle principles. Key Responsibilities * Own and lead end-to-end engineering delivery across one or more programmes * Drive Systems Engineering best practice (V-model, iterative & incremental models) * Lead multi-discipline teams and manage technical dependencies * Identify and mitigate technical risk; manage change and configuration control * Ensure artefacts meet contractual, regulatory and governance requirements * Support programme planning, Basis of Estimate inputs and schedule optimisation * Act as senior engineering interface with customers, suppliers and stakeholders * Align resource capability with programme demand and future growth Requirements * Proven multidisciplinary leadership within Defence or Aerospace environments * Strong Systems Engineering lifecycle knowledge * Experience delivering high-assurance, regulated solutions * Confident stakeholder engagement at senior level * Exposure to Command & Control, secure communications, encryption, sensors or integrated defence capability This is a challenging brief requiring technical credibility, commercial awareness and strong leadership — but it offers real ownership and influence within nationally significant programmes. Please note that this role requires candidates to undergo DV clearance