Systems Engineering Manager

Description 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

Systems Engineering Delivery

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. Stakeholder & Programme Management

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 Essential

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.

Desirable

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.

Benefits

At CMS2, we believe in rewarding our people and supporting their well being. Alongside our competitive salaries we offer a comprehensive benefits package including, Company Profit Share Scheme, Generous Holiday Allowance and pension