Head of Maritime Engineering

UFORCE is a combat-systems integrator transforming Ukrainian battlefield experience into deployable defence technology for allied nations. Built by Ukrainian practitioners and global technology leaders, UFORCE brings together unmanned air, sea, and land systems, software, command-and-control, and operational expertise into one adaptive combat architecture. Our mission is to make defence dramatically faster, more scalable, and more cost-effective than traditional military systems — helping free nations deter aggression by making defence 100× cheaper than offence. We are building a new category of defence company: combat-proven, open to allied integration, shaped by real-world frontline experience, and focused on protecting democratic societies at speed. About the role UFORCE is building its UK engineering capability and we’re looking for a Head of Maritime Engineering to lead and scale the function. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the technical delivery, integration and readiness of our maritime platforms. You’ll bring together engineering teams, suppliers and partners to solve complex challenges across vessel systems, integration, test, assurance and deployment. We’re looking for an experienced maritime engineering leader who can combine strong technical judgement with pace and pragmatism - building the team, standards and engineering capability needed as our maritime programmes grow. What you’ll do Lead and scale UFORCE’s UK maritime engineering capability, building a high-performing multidisciplinary team. Own the engineering delivery, technical integrity and operational readiness of our maritime platforms. Lead the integration of vessel, mechanical, electrical, autonomy, communications and mission systems. Establish practical standards across design, integration, test, configuration, maintenance, technical risk, certification and assurance. Turn programme and customer requirements into clear engineering priorities and executable plans. Work with programme, product and operational teams, suppliers and customers to solve complex engineering challenges at pace. Shape the longer-term maritime engineering strategy and technical capability as UFORCE scales. Required Skills Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional credentials. Experience with Workboat Code Edition 3 or similar frameworks, including vessel classification, certification and assurance. Engineering leadership experience across marine vessels, naval systems, maritime platforms or maritime autonomy. Experience integrating autonomy, communications, sensors, payloads or mission systems onto maritime platforms. Strong understanding of vessel systems, integration, test, maintenance, engineering governance, configuration, technical risk and safe operation. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in shipyards, dockyards, integration facilities, test sites or similar operational environments. Experience delivering complex engineering programmes from requirements through integration, test and deployment. Strong technical judgement and stakeholder skills, with the ability to make pragmatic decisions and deliver at pace in an ambiguous environment. Nice to have Experience working in a start-up, scale-up or urgent operational environment. Experience in defence maritime, naval engineering, maritime autonomy or uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The nature of combat has changed. Tomorrow’s battlefield success depends on autonomy, speed, and adaptability. And UFORCE is ready. Are You?