Head of Engineering

Location:

Waterbeach, UK Department:
Engineering

Reports to:

Director of Operations & Technology Type:
Full-time, Permanent

Company Profile Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations & Technology, the Head of Engineering will have responsibility for the leadership, performance and delivery of the Engineering function s senior leadership role leads a multidisciplinary engineering organisation spanning electronics engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, production engineering, project and programme management, and innovation. The Head of Engineering will ensure that programmes are delivered effectively, technical standards remain high, resources are deployed appropriately and teams work efficiently across disciplines.

Success in the role requires a strong engineering background combined with excellent people leadership, organisational capability and commercial judgement. The Head of Engineering will create an environment that balances innovation and technical excellence with delivery, manufacturability, reliability, cost, quality and schedule. The Head of Engineering will work in close partnership with the Technology & Operations Director to align engineering strategy with wider business and operational priorities.

• Lead and develop the Engineering function, promoting a high-performing, accountable and collaborative culture based on ownership, urgency, technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Directly manage the managers responsible for Electronics, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Project & Programme Management, and Innovation, setting clear objectives and holding them accountable for delivery, quality, resources and team performance.
• Develop the engineering management team through coaching, constructive challenge and succession planning, supporting managers in resolving significant technical, people and delivery issues.
• Ensure that the engineering departments operate as one integrated function, with clear responsibilities, effective interfaces and strong communication, coordination and ownership across disciplines.
• Lead regular engineering management reviews covering programme status, resource requirements, technical risks, departmental priorities and key decisions.

• Take overall responsibility for engineering delivery across multiple concurrent development programmes, working closely with the Project & Programme Manager to ensure that projects are properly planned, resourced and prioritised, risks and bottlenecks are addressed, and agreed timescales are met.
• Maintain high standards of engineering design, technical documentation, verification and design review.
• Lead new product development from concept through prototyping, qualification and production, incorporating manufacturability, reliability, cost, quality and supply‑chain considerations from the outset and working with Production and Operations to ensure effective transfer into manufacture.
• Support major customer programmes, tenders and technical discussions where senior engineering input is required.
• Drive engineering productivity through simplification, automation and AI‑assisted development.