Systems Engineer- Test RMO- Defence

Defence | Systems Engineering | Test & Equipment Delivery- COMPETITIVE RATES OUTSIDE IR-35 The Opportunity We are seeking a Systems Engineer with a strong Test RMO focus and an Electrical Engineering background to support the delivery of complex defence equipment for a leading Customer / End Client. This role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, test, requirements, and project delivery, taking end‑to‑end responsibility for assigned equipment work packages — from requirements ownership and supplier management through to testing, qualification, and delivery into the wider system. It is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy owning equipment-level delivery, working across multiple stakeholders, and ensuring technical compliance through a structured and disciplined test approach. What You’ll Be Doing Equipment & Work Package Ownership Own the equipment work package(s) on behalf of the project, including planning, cost control, schedule management, and delivery assurance. Take accountability for the equipment hardware lifecycle, covering development, manufacture, delivery, concessions, non‑conformances, and fault resolution. Act as the primary technical interface for the equipment with internal stakeholders and the Customer / End Client. Requirements & Test RM Ownership Take full accountability for the requirements set for the allocated equipment(s), working closely with Systems Engineering and Subject Matter Experts. Ensure requirements are clear, traceable, verifiable, and aligned to higher‑level system needs. Own the equipment test and compliance strategy, including defining test needs and reviewing qualification and verification evidence. Ensure that evidence supports requirements compliance, certification, and acceptance. Test, Verification & Reviews Plan and coordinate equipment‑level testing and qualification activities. Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports. Plan and chair design reviews and process gate reviews for assigned equipment. Ensure lessons learned from testing, faults, or concessions are captured and fed back into the design and delivery process. Supplier & Design Authority Management Produce Statements of Work (SOWs) for internal and external design authorities. Technically manage internal and external suppliers/design authorities, ensuring delivery to time, cost, quality, and performance constraints. Maintain regular engagement with suppliers, including on‑site visits where required. Support contract and delivery discussions by providing clear technical input and risk awareness. Project Management & Governance Create and maintain equipment‑level plans, showing design, manufacture, test, and delivery activities. Manage risks and opportunities, ensuring mitigations are identified, tracked, and implemented. Provide accurate and timely progress reporting to programme and systems leadership. Support overall programme governance and decision‑making with robust technical insight. What We’re Looking For Essential Skills & Experience Degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience working as a Systems Engineer or Test RM in a defence, aerospace, or safety‑critical environment. Strong understanding of requirements management, including ownership, traceability, and verification. Experience defining and managing equipment‑level test and qualification activities. Proven ability to manage suppliers and design authorities delivering hardware solutions. Comfortable owning cost, schedule, risk, and performance for equipment work packages. Confident stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior engineers and customers. Desirable Experience working with electrical or electro‑mechanical equipment. Familiarity with design reviews, certification processes, and formal engineering governance. Experience producing Statements of Work or supporting contractual delivery. Background in delivering equipment through full lifecycle: requirements → design → test → acceptance. Why This Role? Take real ownership of equipment delivery within a complex defence programme. Combine systems engineering discipline with hands‑on test and delivery responsibility. Work closely with suppliers and customers in a technically demanding environment. Develop both technical depth and project leadership capability.