Lead Systems Engineer

Department: Systems Engineering

Location: Portsmouth

Description

CMS2 is seeking an experienced Lead Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership and line management to a team delivering complex, mission-critical systems within a specialist area of maritime defence engineering.

With over 60 years of expertise in atmosphere management and life support systems, CMS2 develops innovative engineering solutions for submarines and other critical naval applications.
Working across the full systems engineering lifecycle, you will lead engineering activities, develop technical solutions and support successful project delivery. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with team development, stakeholder engagement and engineering governance.

We welcome applications from Chemical, Systems, Mechanical and Process Engineers, as well as candidates from other highly regulated and safety-critical industries including maritime, aerospace, nuclear, rail, automotive and energy

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering Delivery

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through to integration, verification, validation and in-service support.
• Oversee requirements management, ensuring requirements are captured, analysed, allocated and maintained with full traceability throughout the lifecycle.
• Lead system architecture and design activities, ensuring solutions meet customer, operational and programme requirements.
• Undertake and guide systems analysis activities, including trade studies, mathematical modelling, performance assessments and concept development.
• Perform and lead root cause investigations, reliability assessments and failure mode analysis to improve system performance, robustness and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure alignment between engineering outputs, customer requirements and project deliverables.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance across programmes, supporting robust engineering decision-making.
• Promote knowledge sharing and the adoption of Systems Engineering best practice across the engineering function.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering tools, processes and methodologies, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Verification, Validation & Technical Assurance

• Define and oversee verification and validation strategies, including the development of test plans, specifications and execution activities.
• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, governance and technical assurance activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support safety assessments, risk reviews and compliance activities where required.
• Produce and review high-quality technical documentation, including system descriptions, models, specifications and other engineering artefacts.

Stakeholder & Programme Management

• Act as the key technical interface between customers, suppliers, project teams and engineering functions, ensuring clear communication and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Analyse customer requirements and specifications, translating them into structured and actionable engineering requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to support programme planning, work package definition and delivery estimates.
• Support business development and bid activities through technical input, compliance assessments and solution development.

Risk, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, manage and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with relevant company, industry and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools and methodologies to improve engineering capability and efficiency.
• Drive engineering effectiveness and delivery performance improvements through structured continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional knowledge and technical expertise through continuous professional development.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Systems, Mechanical, Chemical, Process, Electrical, Electronic or a related Engineering discipline, or significant relevant engineering experience.
• Professional engineering recognition (Chartered Engineer status or working towards, or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience applying systems engineering principles within complex engineering environments
• Experience leading systems engineering across the full lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of requirements, architecture, integration, verification and validation.
• Experience managing technical risk and governance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing engineers.
• Experience within the defence sector is highly desirable.
• Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in maritime, aerospace, nuclear, rail, space, automotive, energy, process or other highly regulated, safety-critical industries.

Preferred Experience

• Understanding of systems engineering disciplines common to defence and mission-critical programmes.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering standards and frameworks.
• Professional registration or membership of a recognised engineering institution.
• Experience designing solutions to meet military requirements.
• Experience of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience using requirements management software and tools.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 9000 or similar Quality Management Systems.
• Experience within a Lean Manufacturing environment.
  
  

Other Requirements

Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.

Security Clearance

Candidates must hold Security Check (SC) clearance or be eligible to obtain it.
To obtain SC clearance, candidates will normally need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates must be able to satisfy UK security vetting requirements.


Benefits

At CMS2 we believe in rewarding our people and supporting their wellbeing.
Alongside our competitive salaries we offer a comprehensive benefits package including, Company Profit Share Scheme, Generous Holiday Allowance, Employee Assistance Programme, 24 Hour access to GP and Mental Health support along with access to hundreds of high street discounts and more.
As a business our people are our biggest asset, and we aim to nurture and develop our staff to achieve their full potential.