Systems Engineering Lead

Location: Warwickshire

A Contract position Outside IR35

Hybrid working

Essential:
Proven Lead Systems Engineering experience on Defence Vehicle Platforms

Our client, a leading player in the automotive sector, is currently seeking a Systems Engineering Lead on a contract basis, to join their team. This role focuses on vehicle-level design and integration of defence platforms, emphasising chassis, steering, suspension, and overall mobility performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the system-level architecture and integration
Define and integrate key vehicle subsystems, ensuring effective integration of the powertrain into the vehicle platform
Drive requirements capture, decomposition, and traceability, ensuring alignment with vehicle-level performance and mission needs
Deliver against critical performance measures such as mobility, ride dynamics, stability, durability, and reliability
Balance system trade-offs, optimising mobility, protection, payload, and power
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure coherent platform integration
Oversee vehicle-level verification and validation, including rig, subsystem testing, and full vehicle trials
Support safety case development and hazard analysis in line with defence standards
Manage system interfaces, configuration control, and vehicle-level BOM structures
Engage with suppliers for critical subsystems and mentor systems engineers within the team

Job Requirements

Significant experience in systems engineering, particularly within defence or heavy vehicle platforms
Proven knowledge of vehicle chassis, suspension, steering, and overall vehicle dynamics
Understanding of delivering reliable vehicles in extreme environments
Effective in system-level integration, ensuring cohesive vehicle performance
Relevant degree in Systems, Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechatronics Engineering
Proficiency in vehicle system architecture and platform integration

Experience with vehicle communication networks (CAN, J1939, MIL-STD)
Familiarity with FMEA, DFMEA, and system-level hazard analysis

Experience with DOORS NG, Polarion, or similar requirements tools

Desirable

Experience with defence applications
Knowledge of DEF STAN / MIL-STD requirements
Advanced suspension and steering technologies
Previous security clearance (BPSS, SC or higher)
If you are a Systems Engineering professional with robust experience in automotive defence platforms and seek a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to become an integral part of our client's dynamic team