Overview

We are looking for a Systems Engineering Lead to promote and drive best practice across the Data Link Systems group. You will shape how we approach our programmes, considering the needs and expectations of customers, the capability of technology and third‑party suppliers. Day to day, you’ll be key in providing education, training and consultancy style, system design support to key programmes, tailored to their needs to ensure maximum benefit is obtained from best practice use. Within this role you will be involved in supporting the development of team members as they build their Systems Engineering knowledge – assessing core Systems Engineering techniques, developing and delivering process improvement and behavioural change to teams. You will ensure a full lifecycle approach to the design of systems into programme teams, influence the Systems Engineering approach of new business, support established programmes in tailoring process, and shape the direction during transitions between phases. You’ll be working with our key partners in MBDA UK (programmes and departments) to improve how we collaborate from a systems engineering viewpoint and engage with stakeholders across all MBDA National sites (e.g. MBDA France, Italy, etc.) to align processes and approaches.

Benefits

• Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, plus additional days at 5, 10 and 15 years of service.
• Dynamic Working policies give flexibility around hours and location, including paid overtime and time‑in‑locus options.
• MBDA Retirement Savings Plan – defined contribution with 4% employee and 6% employer contributions.
• Financial Awareness – free financial webinars and online education resources.
• Share Incentive Plan – tax‑efficient shares in UK Shareholder BAE Systems PLC.
• Mortgage Advice – free mortgage advice and webinars.
• Season Ticket Loan – borrow public transport season tickets, spread over 12 months.
• Critical Illness – tax‑free lump sum after diagnosis to cover expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free 24/7 confidential counselling and structured sessions.
• Voluntary Private Medical Insurance – tailored plans for you and your family.
• Funded Private Medical Insurance – standard plan for Grade C & Above.
• Dental Insurance – cash‑back on everyday dental expenses with six cover levels.
• Healthcare Cash Plan – cash‑back on everyday healthcare expenses, with six cover levels.
• Healthcare and Leisure – cash‑back on medical, dental and optician expenses, plus access to sporting and recreational facilities.
• Company Bonus – up to 21% of base salary.
• Pension – up to 14% employer and employee contributions.
• Flexi Leave – up to 15 additional days.
• Enhanced parental leave – up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, with paternity and neonatal enhancements.

Salary and Additional Benefits

• Salary: Circa £65,000 depending on experience.
• Dynamic (hybrid) working: balance of on‑site/off‑site working; part‑time considered.
• Security Clearance: British Citizen required; BPSS clearance to be obtained.

Qualifications and Experience

• Broad Systems Engineering experience covering the full life cycle.
• Understanding of state‑of‑the‑art Systems Engineering methods and their application in major projects.
• Ability to understand and implement MBSE (Model Based Systems Engineering) methodologies into practicing programmes.
• Capable of working autonomously and proactively, managing multiple issues, tasks and priorities concurrently.
• Stakeholder management experience.
• Experience in systems architecture design.
• Experience supporting colleague development.

Our Commitment

MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces. We partner with governments to defend freedom, and recognise the unique contributions of all employees. We encourage and provide support throughout recruitment, including adjustments where needed.