Head Of Engineering

Position: Head Of Engineering (Permanent)
Fortress Recruit are working with a leading defence engineering and manufacturing organisation in the recruitment of a Head of Engineering to join their growing business.

As Head of Engineering, you will lead and be accountable for the performance of the Engineering function, shaping strategy and driving delivery across complex NRE and product development programmes. Reporting into senior leadership, you will ensure engineering outputs meet quality, safety, regulatory, cost, and performance requirements from concept through to production.

Key responsibilities:

* Own engineering budgets, resourcing plans, and capital expenditure proposals

* Drive innovation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement across engineering processes

* Chair design reviews and ensure robust governance, change control, and technical assurance

* Lead value engineering, cost reduction, and feasibility studies across R&D initiatives

* Lead continuous improvement, value engineering, and cost optimisation

* Define engineering standards, design guidelines, and best practices

* Develop engineering capability, leadership, and succession

To be successful, you’ll have:

* 15+ years’ engineering experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role

* Proven track record delivering complex engineering and product development programmes

* Strong background in DFMA, FMEA, and engineering governance

* Experience working within defence, maritime, aerospace, or similarly regulated environments

* Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving ROI

* Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

* Eligibility for SC clearance (5 years' UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)

This is a senior leadership opportunity shaping the engineering direction within a respected defence organisation. This is a full-time, permanent role based on-site in Poole, with competitive salary and benefits on offer.

For a confidential conversation or to request the full job description, please click apply and send a full copy of your CV to Becki