Engineering Manager - AJAX In-Service

Location: Hybrid – Typical working pattern: 3 days/week MOD Abbey Wood, 1 day/week General Dynamics (Merthyr Tydfil), 1 day/week WFH. Rate: Up to £750/day (Inside IR35) Duration: ASAP – 31/03/2027 (extension possible) Deadline for Applications: 15/07/2026 at 11:30am Clearance: SC Clearance required. UK Nationals only. Overview The AJAX Programme sits within the National Armaments Director Group (NAD). It is delivered on behalf of DG Material under the Director Land Environment as part of the Land Combat Vehicles Portfolio. This role sits within the In-Service Pillar, responsible for all engineering and support activity of the in-service fleet. The successful candidate will lead engineering, quality and in-service issues management, working closely with Lead Engineers, Engineering Managers, Engineers and the cross-cutting Integrate Pillar. Key Tasks and Deliverables Lead Engineer Role – Provide technical leadership and coordinate in-service engineering activities to support operational readiness. Collaboration – Work closely with the Project Chief, other Lead Engineers, and in-service stakeholders to identify, manage, and resolve in-service engineering issues promptly. Issue Resolution – Lead resolution of in-service engineering issues impacting equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to operational availability and quality. Support Pillar Lead – Provide technical input, progress updates, and risk assessments related to in-service engineering to the pillar lead. Act as Deputy as required. Cross-functional Liaison – Liaise with cross-functional teams including logistics, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure in-service engineering requirements are met for support. Continuous Improvement – Drive continuous improvement and quality initiatives within in-service processes and engineering practices to enhance reliability and maintainability. Compliance – Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, safety regulations, and in-service project requirements. Documentation – Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of engineering issues, resolutions, and decisions related to in-service support. Essential Experience / Skills Hold a suitable Engineering qualification and level of training (level 6 or greater). Professional Registered as CEng or equivalent. Experience managing engineering teams is essential. Experience managing large stakeholder communities and strong interpersonal skills is essential. Desirable Experience / Skills Experience managing engineering change and configuration (Asset management experience) is desirable. Experience within an In-service equipment management environment is desirable, but not essential. Experience managing engineering activity within a Defence Major Program (GMPP/CAT A) is desirable.