Systems Group Leader

Role Purpose

As the Systems Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will play a critical role in overseeing and guiding a team of talented systems engineers. Your leadership, technical expertise and application of systems engineering methodology will drive the successful development, and implementation, of cutting-edge electromechanical systems. You will ensure that your team adheres to the highest standards of engineering excellence and compliance and engaging in tactical and strategic growth of the team as it evolves to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Providing technical guidance and support to team members, assisting with complex problem-solving and decision-making.
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of systems and components for defence applications, in line with the project development lifecycle and “V-Model”. Ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, including project resource allocations, definition of work packages and task management. Proactively assess and manage emerging risks.
• Take a hands-on leadership role in the planning and execution of integration, validation and verification, compliance and commissioning aspects of the products.
• Ensure critical requirements are identified early and flowed through into quantifiable tasks and actions for the project team.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and electronics and electrical engineers, to ensure seamless integration system components.
• Review, maintain and update and improve working practices associated with systems engineering design and development, including internal documentation.
• Support the sales team with new bid and opportunities, queries and discussions related to systems engineering aspects of Chess products and product development.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. Engage in staff development to ensure all direct and indirect reports are appropriately supported with 1:1s, mentoring and personal development planning.
• Provide input to engineering team goals and objectives and associated strategic planning.
• Identifying resource needs and lead recruitment activities for the systems team
• Keep the business up to date with latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring your team remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and defence industry standards throughout the development and deployment of systems design activities.
  
  

Skills & Experience

Essential

• A degree at 2:1 or above in systems engineering - or a closely related discipline
• > 7 years direct relevant experience in a hands-on systems design role and delivery – particularly involving electromechanical systems.
• > 5 years’ experience of successful line management and leadership in an engineering project environment, preferably within the defence industry
• >5 years’ experience of technical project leadership, following a development lifecycle with a multi-disciplined engineering team.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering across the full product lifecycle – from requirements capture through to after sales logistic support.
• Experience in compliance management and safety management
• Skilled in communication at all organisational levels.
• Demonstrable strong analytical and technical problem-solving experience
• Experience in identifying risks and managing uncertainty.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
  
  

Desirable

• Masters degree in Systems Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 10+ years proven experience of technical team leadership.
• Applications of systems design and the V-model in a defence naval and land environments
• Experience as signatory for compliance and safety cases
• Familiarity with remote sensing payloads e.g. radar and EO.
• Experience of conducting EMC and environmental testing for compliance activities
• Understanding of electro-mechanical control systems
• Involvement in recruitment activities and interviews
• Project planning
• Use of requirements management tools
• Experience of supporting technical sales and bid activities.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Have a flair for innovation, new concept designs and a passion for electrical and electronics engineering.
• Highly organised and methodical approach, with an eye for detail
• The ability to work independently when required.
• A flexible, conscientious, and diligent attitude
• A resilient and adaptable approach
  
  

Work Life Balance

• 37.5 hour working week.
• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday.
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements – minimum of 4 days on site presence on average
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Holiday purchase scheme
  
  

Benefits

• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 6%.
• Private Medical Insurance – Family cover
• Income protection scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations.
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline.
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing.
• Regular sports and social activities
• Gym membership discounts
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations
  
  

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.