System Engineering Manager

CMS2 is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Manager to lead and develop a team of engineers delivering complex, mission-critical systems within a specialist area of maritime defence engineering.

With over 60 years of expertise in atmosphere management and life support systems for submarines and other critical naval applications, CMS2 operates in a unique and highly specialised engineering environment.

As a senior engineering leader, you will shape technical solutions, develop engineering capability and drive the successful delivery of complex programmes across the full systems engineering life cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through to integration, verification, validation and in-service support.
• Oversee requirements management, ensuring requirements are captured, analysed, allocated and maintained with full traceability throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead system architecture and design activities, ensuring solutions meet customer, operational and programme requirements.
• Undertake and guide systems analysis activities, including trade studies, mathematical modelling, performance assessments and concept development.
• Perform and lead root cause investigations, reliability assessments and failure mode analysis to improve system performance, robustness and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure alignment between engineering outputs, customer requirements and project deliverables.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Systems Engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across programmes, supporting robust engineering decision-making.
• Promote knowledge sharing and the adoption of Systems Engineering best practice across the engineering function.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering tools, processes and methodologies, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Verification, Validation & Technical Assurance

• Define and oversee verification and validation strategies, including the development of test plans, specifications and execution activities.
• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, governance and technical assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support safety assessments, risk reviews and compliance activities where required.
• Produce and review high-quality technical documentation, including system descriptions, models, specifications and other engineering artefacts.
• Act as the key technical interface between customers, suppliers, project teams and engineering functions, ensuring clear communication and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Analyse customer requirements and specifications, translating them into structured and actionable engineering requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to support programme planning, work package definition and delivery estimates.
• Support business development and bid activities through technical input, compliance assessments and solution development.

Risk, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, manage and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with relevant company, industry and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools and methodologies to improve engineering capability and efficiency.
• Drive engineering effectiveness and delivery performance improvements through structured continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional knowledge and technical expertise through continuous professional development.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree, HND, or significant proven experience in an engineering discipline.
• Professional engineering recognition (Chartered Engineer status or working towards, or equivalent experience).
• Significant systems engineering experience in complex environments.
• Experience leading systems engineering across the full lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of requirements, architecture, integration, verification and validation.
• Experience managing technical risk and governance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing engineers.
• Experience within the defence sector is highly desirable.
• Applications are also welcomed from candidates with systems engineering experience in maritime, aerospace, nuclear, rail, space, automotive or other highly regulated, safety‑critical industries.

Preferred Experience

• Understanding of systems engineering disciplines common to defence and mission‑critical programmes.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering standards and frameworks.
• Professional registration or membership of a recognised engineering institution.
• Experience designing solutions to meet military requirements.
• Experience of Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience using requirements management software and tools.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 9000 or similar Quality Management Systems.
• Experience within a Lean Manufacturing environment.

Other Requirements

Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.

Security Clearance

• Candidates must hold Security Check (SC) clearance or be eligible to obtain it.
• To obtain SC clearance, candidates will normally need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
• Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates must be able to satisfy UK security vetting requirements.