Head of Engineering - Defence Programmes

Head of Engineering – Defence Programmes

Location: UK
Sector: Defence / Marine Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time
Travel: Occasional UK & international travel

We are working on behalf of a well-established engineering organisation operating in the defence sector to appoint a Head of Engineering for a major, long-term, safety-critical programme.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for engineering delivery across the full product lifecycle
, from concept and design through manufacture, test, installation, commissioning and in-service support. The successful candidate will act as the senior technical authority for the programme, providing leadership, governance and strategic direction across multiple engineering disciplines.

The role offers the opportunity to work on complex, highly regulated systems where engineering excellence, risk management and quality are critical to success.

• Lead all engineering activities across design, manufacturing, assembly, test, installation and commissioning

• Act as the senior engineering authority and primary technical interface for customers and internal stakeholders

• Provide strategic technical leadership across complex mechanical systems and integrated platforms

• Manage engineering risk, ensuring robust governance and sign-off through gated design processes

• Drive right-first-time delivery, continuous improvement and operational excellence

• Develop and execute engineering strategies aligned to programme and business objectives

• Oversee delivery of technical data packs, documentation and compliance artefacts

• Lead, coach and develop high-performing engineering teams

• Support senior leadership decision-making with clear, data-driven technical insight

• Degree-qualified in Engineering (Chartered status desirable)

• Strong background in mechanical engineering
  , ideally involving complex rotating or drive systems

• Experience delivering engineering solutions within regulated, safety-critical environments

• Deep understanding of materials, gear systems, bearings, shafts, lubrication and associated standards

• Proven experience managing engineering risk and formal design reviews

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

• Commercially aware, with the ability to balance technical, schedule and cost considerations

• Experience of continuous improvement, lean or structured problem-solving methodologies

• Senior, influential engineering leadership role

• Long-term, high-profile defence programme

• Opportunity to shape engineering strategy and delivery

• Exposure to complex, mission-critical systems

• Stable programme environment with strong investment

Due to the nature of the work, this position is subject to security clearance and export control requirements
. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to obtain the required clearance.