> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/347171-systems-engineering-manager](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/347171-systems-engineering-manager). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Systems Engineering Manager - **Company:** Callen Lenz - **Location:** Salisbury, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Systems Modeling Language, System Testing, Toolchain, UML, Safety Critical Systems - **Published:** June 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=33333bc509402212 ## About the Role Do you have a valid Driving License license?, Do you have experience in UML?, * Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, or related field. * Demonstrable experience of leading and managing an engineering team. Skills and Experience Essential: * Demonstrable experience of technical leadership and engineering line management within aerospace, defence, or a similarly regulated industry. * Proven experience delivering Systems Engineering across the full engineering lifecycle, from concept through manufacturing and in-service to disposal. * Strong expertise in: * Requirements management and traceability. * Requirements-to-design mapping and change control. * Verification & Validation (V&V) planning and execution, including VCRM and test reporting. * Demonstrated experience leading or line managing engineering teams, including performance management, coaching, and workload planning. * Experience operating within a matrix organisation, balancing functional leadership with programme delivery demands. * Strong systems thinking capability, with the ability to decompose complex systems into structured architectures and product breakdowns. * Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with Project Managers, Chief Engineers, other functional managers, and senior leadership. * Strong commitment to safety, quality, and engineering excellence. Desirable: * Experience in UAV, aerospace, defence, or safety-critical systems development * Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and approaches (e.g. Cameo, UML / SysML) * Knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g. ARP4754, DO-178/254, DEF STANs, MODAF, ISO/IEC frameworks) * Experience implementing digital engineering environments and toolchains * Exposure to certification, airworthiness, or regulatory compliance processes * Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards professional accreditation. Personal Attributes * Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK. * Capable leader. * Excellent communicator. * Excellent problem-solving ability. * Ability to work well in a team. * Ability to commit to occasional national and international travel. * A full valid UK driving license. * Ability to hold Security Clearance - 5 years residence in the UK. ## Description Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will manage the growth of the Systems Engineering department and champion the use of systems thinking practices across the business. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining systems engineering principles and tools across delivery teams, and for the pastoral care and career development for the growing department. Responsibilities Lead the Systems Engineering department, including: Lead & Grow the Systems Engineering Department * Guide, or lead where appropriate, the department in their technical duties. * Define, implement, and continuously improve the Systems Engineering processes, tools, templates, and ways of working, aligned to standards where appropriate (such as ARP4754, ISO15288). * Champion a strong engineering culture that promotes systems thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, professional standards, and safe, compliant ways of working. * Introduce, where appropriate, Model Based Systems Engineering processes and tools. * Build organisational capability through recruitment / headcount growth, training, knowledge transfer, and succession planning to create a Systems Engineering department aligned to business needs. * Lead major technical reviews and assurance activities to ensure performance, safety, and airworthiness of delivered systems. * Support the delivery streams in ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of core Systems Engineering outputs, including requirements baselines, requirements-to-design mapping, product breakdown structures, V&V plans, verification cross-reference matrices, and system test reporting. Resource Management & Delivery * Allocate and prioritise systems engineers across delivery streams based on programme priorities and project demand signals. * Provide technical oversight to ensure requirements are complete, traceable, testable, and robustly flowed down into subsystem design, integration, test, and acceptance activities. * Balance short-term delivery needs with long-term capability development and sustainability of the function. * Work with Project Managers to forecast resource demand, identify constraints, and resolve conflicts across competing programmes. * Maintain clear visibility of department allocation, utilisation, and skills coverage to ensure effective execution. * Act as escalation point for delivery risks relating to systems engineering artefact or milestone deliverables People & Team Leadership * Identify capability gaps and drive recruitment, training, and upskilling plans to build a high-performing, future-ready department. * Coach, mentor and develop staff, including goal setting, performance management, and regular 1:1 engagement. * Support career development including structured development plans, and alignment to professional standards (e.g. UK-SPEC). * Foster an inclusive, high-performing department culture with strong engagement, accountability, and collaboration. * Monitor team wellbeing and workload, ensuring sustainable pace and effective pastoral care. * Champion recognition, retention strategies, and succession planning within the function. Safety, Compliance & Operational Excellence * Champion health, safety, and environmental practices across the department. * Ensure compliance with regulatory, airworthiness, and company standards in all engineering activities. * Promote a strong safety culture, including hazard identification, risk management, and incident learning. * When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training. ## Related Videos - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Speeding up Web Apps performance with WebAssembly and Emscripten](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1985-speeding-up-web-apps-performance-with-webassembly-and-emscripten) - [ChatGPT and Java: A Match Made in Heaven or Hell?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/536-chatgpt-and-java-a-match-made-in-heaven-or-hell) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) - [The Power of Developer Communities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1109-the-power-of-developer-communities) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)