Systems Engineer - Technical Capability Lead

Systems Engineer – Technical Capability Lead – Porton Down (SP4) – Permanent – Full Time

• Salary £50,000 - £80,000 DOE
• 25 days annual leave (inclusive of up to 3 days December shutdown)
• Buy or sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
• Two pension schemes to choose from
• Two pension schemes to choose from
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance + discounts for additional family members
• Life Assurance scheme up to 4 x salary
• Multiple Save schemes
• Electric/Hybrid Car leasing scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail discounts
• Continuous Professional development support
• Annual Wellness Allowance

About the role

Are you an experienced Systems Engineer or technical specialist with recent hands-on experience of complex defence, aerospace or military aviation systems? Do you have technical expertise in DAS or a related capability, with experience across systems engineering, test and evaluation, analysis or assurance?

At MASS, you’ll join our team and work directly on-site with our customer, Dstl, at Porton Down (SP4), 5 days a week. You’ll become the technical focal point and subject matter expert for an assigned reference capability (one of: IR Threat Warning, Directed IR Countermeasure, or the Controller for the overall DAS system), working with Dstl, MOD stakeholders, industry partners and platform integration teams to understand technical issues, identify risks and provide sound technical advice.

The role requires some travel within the UK to liaise with stakeholders in MOD and industry.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll use your systems engineering expertise across capability understanding, technical engagement, integration, test and evaluation, analysis and assurance.

Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of your assigned capability, including its architecture, interfaces and performance.

Review technical specifications, engineering documentation and test evidence.

Work with Dstl, industry suppliers and MOD stakeholders to understand technical developments, risks and opportunities.

Support platform integration, technical investigations and the resolution of engineering challenges.

Contribute to laboratory testing, field trials and technical assurance activities.

Assess system performance against requirements and operational needs.

Analyse technical and operational data to produce clear recommendations.

Prepare technical reports, briefings and presentations for stakeholders.

Capture technical knowledge and lessons learned to support knowledge transfer.

How you’ll support us

Your technical expertise will help make informed decisions throughout the capability lifecycle. You’ll help assess system performance, identify technical risks, support robust test and evaluation, and contribute to the effective integration of defence capabilities onto operational platforms.

The invaluable experience you’ll bring, to help us achieve more

We’re looking for someone with recent, hands-on technical experience of complex defence, aerospace or military aviation systems who can apply their expertise directly to a DAS or related capability.

Essential experience

• Significant recent experience in systems engineering, systems integration, test and evaluation, analysis, assurance or a related technical discipline
• Technical knowledge relevant to DAS, electronic warfare, defensive aids, threat warning, countermeasures or a closely related defence/aerospace capability.
• Demonstrable technical depth in at least one of the following areas: systems engineering, test and evaluation, technical analysis, systems assurance, integration or performance assessment.
• Strong understanding of the air domain, including platforms and threat systems.
• Experience working with complex defence, aerospace, military aviation or other high-technology systems.
• Experience with system architectures, interfaces and integration challenges.
• Experience reviewing technical specifications, engineering documentation and/or test evidence.
• Experience supporting testing, trials, verification, validation, analysis or technical assurance activities.
• Strong technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical reports and recommendations.

Desirable experience

• Experience working with MOD or defence industry programmes.
• Experience supporting platform integration activities.
• Understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes.
• Experience in operational analysis, performance assessment or technical risk management.

Security requirements:

As this role involves working on secure projects with Dstl, there are a couple of requirements we need you to meet:

You must be a UK National and eligible to work in the UK

You must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Government Security Check (SC) clearance

Who is MASS?

MASS is an independent technology company trusted by highly secure organisations to deliver advanced digital services that manage data and keep information safe. With our heritage in defence, we bring extensive security expertise to organisations where protecting information and maintaining resilience are essential.

We work closely with our customers, combining technical expertise with innovative thinking to deliver tailored, agile and resilient solutions. Our people are at the heart of what we do, bringing the skills and experience needed to help our customers navigate complex challenges and stay ready for digital transformation.

Wellbeing is an important part of our culture. We want our people to feel supported and able to thrive, which is why we offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including mental health first aiders and access to our extensive Employee Assistance Programme.

MASS is an equal opportunities employer. We value the different skills, experience and perspectives our people bring, and aim to create a friendly and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to make a real impact.

Apply today to see how working for MASS could work for you

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