Systems Engineering Lead

A Contract position Outside IR35

Hybrid working

Essential: Proven Lead Systems Engineering experience on Defence Vehicle Platforms or Heavy Vehicle/Off-Highway.

Our client, a leading player in the automotive sector, is currently seeking a Systems Engineering Lead on a contract basis, to join their team. This role focuses on vehicle-level design and integration of defence platforms, emphasising chassis, steering, suspension, and overall mobility performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the system-level architecture and integration
• Define and integrate key vehicle subsystems, ensuring effective integration of the powertrain into the vehicle platform
• Drive requirements capture, decomposition, and traceability, ensuring alignment with vehicle-level performance and mission needs
• Deliver against critical performance measures such as mobility, ride dynamics, stability, durability, and reliability
• Balance system trade-offs, optimising mobility, protection, payload, and power
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure coherent platform integration
• Oversee vehicle-level verification and validation, including rig, subsystem testing, and full vehicle trials
• Support safety case development and hazard analysis in line with defence standards
• Manage system interfaces, configuration control, and vehicle-level BOM structures
• Engage with suppliers for critical subsystems and mentor systems engineers within the team

Job Requirements

• Significant experience in systems engineering, particularly within defence or heavy vehicle platforms
• Proven knowledge of vehicle chassis, suspension, steering, and overall vehicle dynamics
• Understanding of delivering reliable vehicles in extreme environments
• Effective in system-level integration, ensuring cohesive vehicle performance
• Relevant degree in Systems, Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechatronics Engineering
• Proficiency in vehicle system architecture and platform integration
• Experience with vehicle communication networks (CAN, J1939, MIL-STD)
• Familiarity with FMEA, DFMEA, and system-level hazard analysis
• Experience with DOORS NG, Polarion, or similar requirements tools

Desirable

• Experience with defence applications
• Knowledge of DEF STAN / MIL-STD requirements
• Advanced suspension and steering technologies
• Previous security clearance (BPSS, SC or higher)

If you are a Systems Engineering professional with robust experience in automotive defence platforms and seek a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to become an integral part of our client's dynamic team.