System Architect

Do you have the vision to guide multidisciplinary teams through the complexities of system development?

Key skills required for this role:

Technical knowledge: Seeking experience with Defence or aerospace technologies, along with a strong understanding of systems engineering principles to an Architect level.

Important

This position will require UK Security Clearance: British Citizenship

Job description

At the forefront of our Systems Engineering Improvement Plan, this role is essential in shaping the future of our Electronic Warfare programmes. You will play a central part in managing and developing high-level technical and enterprise architectures across multiple programmes. Acting as a key point of contact for Capability, Chief Engineers, and the Head of Systems Engineering, you will influence the overall architecture of advanced Electronic Warfare systems.

We design and build a range of innovative and challenging products, from airborne RF sensing technologies to integrated toolset solutions, with each programme at varying stages in the development lifecycle. The complexity of these programmes requires a strategic and cross-cutting approach to systems architecture, and we're looking for someone passionate about delivering solutions that meet both current and future needs.

The Role:

As a Systems Architect, you will provide leadership, direction, and expertise to ensure:

• Coherent architectural development of EW systems solutions across complex programmes.
• A clear architectural vision to support product development in line with short, medium, and long-term Capability roadmaps.
• The evolution of architecting methodologies within the Systems Engineering function.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of solution strategies and approaches for the EW Line of Business, aligning with Capability roadmaps and using industry-standard methods such as Product Line Engineering.
• Producing candidate system architectures at various levels of abstraction, driving decision-making processes to evaluate solutions against factors such as cost, value, and compliance.
• Defining and documenting enterprise-level procedures, guidelines, and best practices for system architecting.
• Collaborating with Bid & Project Managers to estimate costs and assess alternative solutions and approaches.
• Leading architectural decision-making, including trade-off analysis and supplier/partnership strategies.
• Providing thought leadership to relevant stakeholders, including delivering presentations, writing white papers, and participating in industry conferences.
• Contributing to the development of enterprise architectures across programmes and campaigns, while building strategic external relationships.
• Supporting the implementation of Systems Architecting methodologies and processes within the organisation.

This is a high-impact role, and while some on-site working is required, we offer flexible working arrangements to suit individual preferences.

What You'll Ideally Bring:

We are looking for a systems thinker who thrives in complex environments and has a passion for delivering innovative solutions. You will bring:

• Extensive experience in defining and developing architectures and interfaces for complex hardware and software systems.
• Proven ability to lead and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and industry partners.
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly in dynamic and high-complexity environments.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels.
• Experience with system integration, an understanding of emergent properties, and the ability to assess cost and schedule implications.
• Determination and tenacity to drive results and deliver on goals.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours with hybrid working options.
• Company-funded flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, and lifestyle options.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year.
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support, and network groups promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Discounted gym membership and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera.
• Bonus scheme for all employees at management level and below.