Senior/Lead Systems Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a high-calibre Systems Engineer to lead the technical delivery of complex programmes within the UK Defence and National Security sector. This role is pivotal in shaping the next generation of mission-critical capabilities, integrating cutting-edge Cloud-native architectures, Data-driven decision-making tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into robust, safety-critical environments.

The successful candidate will act as a technical bridge between strategic vision and engineering execution, ensuring that rapidly evolving digital technologies are deployed with the rigour and security required for national protection. You will be responsible for the end-to-end systems lifecycle, from influencing customer requirements at the C-suite level to providing technical overwatch during complex system integration.

Role Objectives

These are the expected objectives for this role. We are happy to discuss this further during the interview process with the successful candidate.

• V-Lifecycle Mastery: Demonstrate a profound understanding of the V-Lifecycle, ensuring robust requirements traceability from initial concept through to disposal (CADMID), while integrating DevSecOps and continuous delivery pipelines.
• Architectural Stewardship: Provide high-level technical overwatch of architectural design, ensuring system integrity during the integration of Cloud architectures and AI/ML models.
• Engineering Governance: Apply rigorous engineering oversight and process discipline to enhance quality, ensuring that Data Integrity and Algorithm Assurance are maintained throughout the lifecycle.
• Systems Thinking: Utilise holistic systems thinking to influence, shape, and de-risk complex customer problems, particularly in the transition from legacy hardware to Software-Defined and Cloud-hosted solutions.
• Methodological Versatility: Remain well-versed in multiple delivery methodologies, including Waterfall, Scaled Agile (SAFe), and hybrid frameworks suited for secure government digital transformation.
• Domain Expertise: Leverage experience across multiple client domains with a deep working knowledge of relevant Defence Standards (Def Stans) and digital standards.

Requirements

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage multiple, challenging stakeholders, navigating competing priorities within the MOD, DE&S, or wider government agencies.
• Executive Gravitas: The ability to gravitate seamlessly between C-suite executives, senior military leads, and technical SMEs specialising in Data Science and Cloud Engineering.
• Technical Context: Extensive experience operating within high-security or safety-critical domains, with specific exposure to Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning (ML), and Hyperscale Cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP) in a secure context.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong practical experience working to established and international standards from ISO to Def-Stans and JSPs.
• Architectural Frameworks: Practical experience in applying MODAF or TOGAF to ensure coherent system-of-systems design across hybrid-cloud environments.
• Vetting: Applicants must hold, or be capable of obtaining, UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Technical Standards & Regulatory Framework

The successful candidate will ensure that all engineering activities comply with the following mandatory and advisory standards:

Soft Skills

• Strategic Diplomacy: The ability to navigate complex, multi-organisational politics and influence senior stakeholders without direct formal authority.
• Articulate Translation: Capable of distilling high-level technical complexity (e.g., Cloud scaling or AI inference) into clear briefings for non-technical senior leaders.
• Cognitive Agility: The mental flexibility to pivot between the rigour of safety-critical planning and the rapid pace of Agile software development.
• Integrity and Discretion: An innate commitment to information assurance and the ethical considerations required when working with sensitive national assets.
• Technical Mentorship: A proactive approach to coaching junior engineers in Systems Thinking and modern digital engineering practices.
• Resilience: The composure to lead technical teams through high-pressure delivery milestones and complex "system-of-systems" integration challenges.

Salary £75,000 - £98,000

SC Clearance:

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.

Benefits

Compensation

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value.
• Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.

Purpose & Culture

• Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure.
• Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
• Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.

Work / Life Balance

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle.
• Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.

Development & Growth

• Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave.
• Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not.
• Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.

Health & Balance

• Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards).
• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.

• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.