DEA Specialised Airborne Operations
Senior Missions Systems Engineer
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DEA is looking for a Senior Mission Systems Engineer to serve as a technical focal point for our Mission Systems department. This role is designed for a leader who excels at translating complex mission requirements into functional, model-based architectures while maintaining a "hands-on" understanding of electronics and system builds.
Responsible for leading the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and assisting the Mission Systems Operations Manager and their deputy with the management of a multidisciplinary team to deliver robust, high-reliability hardware and software systems. This coupled with maintaining the operational tempo of the current Mission Systems deployed on ISR contracts.
Key Responsibilities
Providing diagnostics and first-line maintenance on a variety of airborne radar, electro-optic and radio frequency sensors, mission computers, datalinks (SATCOM and line-of-sight), onboard operator consoles and ground stations Lead MBSE Implementation: Drive the transition from traditional document-based engineering to a model-centric environment. Owning the system model (SysML) and ensuring it serves as the "single source of truth" for the entire project lifecycle. Team Leadership & Management: Lead a team of Mission Systems Engineers, Technicians and Designers. Responsible for assisting career development, project resourcing, and maintaining a high standard of technical excellence across the team. System Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full "V-model" lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements derivation to system integration, verification, and validation (V&V). Electronics Oversight: Provide technical guidance on electronic hardware development, ensuring that system-level requirements for power, thermal management, and signal integrity are met at the board and chassis level. Standardisation & Architecture: While maintaining a generic systems approach ensure designs remain modular and scalable, utilising industry standards such as VPX where high-performance ruggedized computing is required. Management of a Systems Integration Lab that replicates the aircraft environment for testing new equipment, training operators and troubleshooting potential defects. Day to day liaison with key stakeholders including Flight Operations ,Task Specialists, Engineering (Part-145) and Intelligence Analysts.
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Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
MBSE Proficiency: Expert knowledge of SysML and experience with tools such as MatLab or similar. Electronics Foundation: Solid understanding of digital and analog circuit design, power distribution, and electronic packaging. Open Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with VPX architecture (VITA standards) for modular system design and backplane communication. Requirements Engineering: Managing complex requirements and taking concepts through the ?V? lifecycle whilst maintaining traceability and compliance to successful integration. Technical Communication: The ability to distill complex technical trade-offs for executive leadership and non-technical clients. Problem Solving: A proven track record of resolving "system-of-systems" level issues that cross the boundaries of hardware, software, and firmware. Flexibility: Ability to work in a fast paced engineering environment, effective under pressure and adept at prioritising tasks whilst managing competing demands; whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail. Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels. Develops and maintains strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives Standards: Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to health, safety, and environmental procedures, ensuring their consistent implementation and adherence.
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Essential
Bachelor?s or Master?s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering/related field or 5+ years of total experience in a systems engineering environment, with a clear progression into leadership.
Preferred
INCOSE CSEP/ESEP or OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional) is highly desirable. Management Experience: Minimum of 5 years experience managing engineering teams, including performance management and budget oversight. Strategic Planning: Ability to align technical roadmaps with broader business objectives. CAA/EASA Part-145 knowledge and experience
Job Benefits
4% Company pension contribution matching Octopus EV Leasing Cycle to Work Bupa Healthcare Perkbox Discount Platform
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