JOB OPPORTUNITY: System Design Authority (SDA)
Security Clearance: Must be able to achieve and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Purpose of the Job
The System Design Authority (SDA) is responsible for the overall technical leadership and systems engineering of the advanced solutions we provide. You will lead the development of these solutions from initial concepts through to customer acceptance. Beyond initial delivery, you will retain technical ownership and design authority for our systems as they are utilised, supported, and modified throughout their entire lifecycle.
Scope of the Role
- Business Development & Front-End Design: Work closely with Product Managers to promote engineering capabilities and engage with customers and wider industry stakeholders to secure future business. This includes analysing requirements, developing solution concepts, and translating them into high-level architectural designs and system specifications.
- Bids & Proposals: Collaborate with technical leaders across the Engineering Division to prepare technical proposals and support Bid Managers in responding to Invitations to Tender (ITT) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ).
- Project Delivery: Take responsibility for the technical management of allocated projects, managing all aspects of systems engineering. Work closely with Project Managers, internal manufacturing/engineering teams, and external suppliers to ensure products and services meet agreed performance, cost, and time targets.
- Research & Standardisation: Align customer-funded and self-funded research with the division's product development roadmaps. Identify and map key enabling technologies and actively contribute to internal standardisation initiatives.
- Lifecycle Management: Own the long-term plan for product development and upgrades, working across the entire lifecycle from initial concept, assessment, and demonstration, through to acceptance and in-service support.
Knowledge and Experience
We are seeking systems thinkers who can understand the broader operational context of customer requirements and user needs. Experience across the product lifecycle (including systems design, modeling, requirements management, test/acceptance, or production support) is beneficial.
A technical background or familiarity in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Sonar, seismic, or acoustic arrays
- Sensor data, signal processing, cabling, and telemetry
- Real-time systems, decision-support infrastructure, and automation
- Towed arrays, maritime cables, or mechanical handling systems
- Defense, weapon, or countermeasure systems
- Noise, vibration, and electromagnetic data analysis
- Acoustic and RF systems
- Industrial control and safety-critical systems
- Physical and system modeling/simulation
- Next-generation maritime or defense concepts
Note: Prior experience within the UK defense or submarine sector is not a prerequisite; applications from adjacent sectors (e.g., aerospace, oil & gas, renewables, rail) are highly encouraged. Candidates with existing knowledge of defense procurement may have opportunities to work embedded within collaborative industry/client teams in the South West region.
Personal Qualities & Behavioral Requirements
- Systems Thinker: Ability to see the big picture while understanding technical interdependencies.
- Leadership & Collaboration: A natural team player with the confidence to lead multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Innovation: Prepared to challenge conventional thinking and propose novel solutions.
- Drive for Results: High tenacity, determination, and a focus on delivering quality outputs.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in technical report writing and proposal preparation.
