Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme

Technical Lead - Naval Simulation Programme

Bristol (with travel to Portsmouth)

Hybrid working

UK Nationals UK Government clearance eligable

Are you a technically strong leader looking to take ownership of a complex, high-impact defence programme
?

We are seeking a Technical Lead to play a pivotal role on a major Royal Navy simulation programme. This is a unique opportunity to step into a large, evolving environment where no two days are the same- offering real influence over technical direction, delivery, and team shape.

You'll act as the technical authority across a major simulator programme, ensuring delivery meets the highest engineering standards while navigating the realities of a complex, fast-moving environment.

This is not a "steady-state" programme – there are challenges around funding, priorities, and structure
, so we're looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity
, can bring clarity, and drive outcomes.

You'll also have the opportunity to build and shape your own team and influence how the programme evolves.

• Lead the technical solution and delivery across a large-scale naval simulation programme
• Act as the focal point for all technical decisions
  , providing clear leadership and direction
• Take ownership as the technical authority
  , ensuring solutions meet required standards and outcomes
• Coordinate technical activity across the full lifecycle (concept through to acceptance)
• Engage with customers through reviews, demos, and acceptance activities
• Ensure engineering work is well-defined, prioritised, and delivered to quality
• Mentor and lead multidisciplinary teams
  , driving best practice and continuous improvement
• Act as the key interface with internal teams, customers, and partners
• Identify and manage technical risks and mitigation strategies
• Support bids, changes, and proposals with technical input and estimation

• Strong background in systems engineering
• Experience leading delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary programmes
• Proven ability to lead technical teams in challenging environments
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving, and sometimes ambiguous programmes
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Experience with simulation technologies
• Exposure to defence or naval environments

• Work on a critical, high-visibility defence programme
• Operate with real ownership and technical authority
• Opportunity to shape teams and influence delivery approach
• Join a programme where your impact will be immediate and tangible

If you're a hands-on technical leader who thrives in complexity and wants to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.