Head of Systems Engineering

Overview Expleo is seeking an experienced Head of Systems Engineering to lead and grow our Systems Engineering capability within our Bristol Defence & Aerospace business. This is a senior leadership position, responsible for providing technical direction, developing engineering capability and ensuring the successful delivery of complex systems engineering programmes across a range of high-profile defence and aerospace projects. You will lead a team of Systems Engineers and technical specialists, working closely with customers, programme leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver robust, safe and compliant systems throughout the engineering lifecycle. The role offers the opportunity to shape the future direction of the Systems Engineering function within Expleo, helping us build capability, develop our people and support the growth of our defence and aerospace portfolio. Responsibilities Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the Systems Engineering function in Bristol. Lead, develop and mentor a team of Systems Engineers, creating a strong technical culture and clear career development pathways. Define and implement Systems Engineering strategies, processes, standards and best practice. Provide technical assurance across programmes, ensuring engineering solutions are robust, appropriate and aligned with customer and regulatory requirements. Support the delivery of complex systems through the full lifecycle, from concept and requirements definition through design, integration, verification, validation and acceptance. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders, acting as a senior technical representative for Expleo. Support business development activities, including bids, proposals, customer presentations and technical solution development. Identify and develop new Systems Engineering opportunities across the Defence & Aerospace market. Work closely with Software, Hardware, Safety, Verification & Validation and Programme Management teams to ensure effective technical integration. Promote the use of modern Systems Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches. Ensure engineering activities are delivered in accordance with relevant industry standards, processes and customer requirements. Support resource planning, recruitment and capability development to ensure Expleo has the skills required to deliver current and future programmes. Provide technical input into programme risk management and support the resolution of complex engineering issues. Establish and maintain appropriate engineering governance, assurance and review processes. Represent Expleo at customer meetings, technical reviews and industry events. Qualifications A degree or equivalent qualification in Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline. Essential skills Defence systems and mission systems. Radar, sensors or RF systems. Weapon systems or missile systems. Combat systems. Platform systems. Avionics or aerospace systems. Systems safety and assurance. MBSE / Digital Engineering. Safety-critical or mission-critical engineering. Working within major UK Defence programmes. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to bids and business development. Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills. Strong knowledge of requirements engineering, system architecture, system design, integration, verification and validation. Strong understanding of the complete Systems Engineering lifecycle and V-model development principles. Experience We are looking for an established Systems Engineering leader who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to lead people, influence customers and shape engineering strategy. Significant experience working within Systems Engineering, ideally within Defence, Aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment. Proven experience leading and developing Systems Engineering teams. Experience working with complex, multi-disciplinary systems and programmes. Experience with IBM DOORS / DOORS NG or similar requirements management tools. Experience with MBSE, ideally including SysML and tools such as Rhapsody. Understanding of engineering standards and frameworks such as ISO 15288, INCOSE and relevant safety/regulatory standards. Experience engaging directly with customers and senior stakeholders. What do I need before I apply Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance required Benefits Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses Competitive company benefits Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to: Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible Communicating and promoting vacancies Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people “We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age”. We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive