Defence | Systems Engineering | Test & Equipment Delivery- COMPETITIVE RATES OUTSIDE IR-35

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Systems Engineer with a strong Test RMO focus and an Electrical Engineering background to support the delivery of complex defence equipment for a leading Customer / End Client.

This role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, test, requirements, and project delivery, taking end‑to‑end responsibility for assigned equipment work packages — from requirements ownership and supplier management through to testing, qualification, and delivery into the wider system.

It is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy owning equipment-level delivery, working across multiple stakeholders, and ensuring technical compliance through a structured and disciplined test approach.

What You’ll Be Doing

Equipment & Work Package Ownership

• Own the equipment work package(s) on behalf of the project, including planning, cost control, schedule management, and delivery assurance.
• Take accountability for the equipment hardware lifecycle, covering development, manufacture, delivery, concessions, non‑conformances, and fault resolution.
• Act as the primary technical interface for the equipment with internal stakeholders and the Customer / End Client.

Requirements & Test RM Ownership

• Take full accountability for the requirements set for the allocated equipment(s), working closely with Systems Engineering and Subject Matter Experts.
• Ensure requirements are clear, traceable, verifiable, and aligned to higher‑level system needs.
• Own the equipment test and compliance strategy, including defining test needs and reviewing qualification and verification evidence.
• Ensure that evidence supports requirements compliance, certification, and acceptance.

Test, Verification & Reviews

• Plan and coordinate equipment‑level testing and qualification activities.
• Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Plan and chair design reviews and process gate reviews for assigned equipment.
• Ensure lessons learned from testing, faults, or concessions are captured and fed back into the design and delivery process.

Supplier & Design Authority Management

• Produce Statements of Work (SOWs) for internal and external design authorities.
• Technically manage internal and external suppliers/design authorities, ensuring delivery to time, cost, quality, and performance constraints.
• Maintain regular engagement with suppliers, including on‑site visits where required.
• Support contract and delivery discussions by providing clear technical input and risk awareness.

Project Management & Governance

• Create and maintain equipment‑level plans, showing design, manufacture, test, and delivery activities.
• Manage risks and opportunities, ensuring mitigations are identified, tracked, and implemented.
• Provide accurate and timely progress reporting to programme and systems leadership.
• Support overall programme governance and decision‑making with robust technical insight.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working as a Systems Engineer or Test RM in a defence, aerospace, or safety‑critical environment.
• Strong understanding of requirements management, including ownership, traceability, and verification.
• Experience defining and managing equipment‑level test and qualification activities.
• Proven ability to manage suppliers and design authorities delivering hardware solutions.
• Comfortable owning cost, schedule, risk, and performance for equipment work packages.
• Confident stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior engineers and customers.

Desirable

• Experience working with electrical or electro‑mechanical equipment.
• Familiarity with design reviews, certification processes, and formal engineering governance.
• Experience producing Statements of Work or supporting contractual delivery.
• Background in delivering equipment through full lifecycle: requirements → design → test → acceptance.

Why This Role?

• Take real ownership of equipment delivery within a complex defence programme.
• Combine systems engineering discipline with hands‑on test and delivery responsibility.
• Work closely with suppliers and customers in a technically demanding environment.
• Develop both technical depth and project leadership capability.