Mission Planning System (MPS) Engineering Lead

Location: Abbey Wood/Hybrid
Rate: Up to £570/day
Contract Length: Until 31 December 2027

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Lead to oversee the design, procurement, and integration of a Mission Planning System (MPS) - a critical component of a multinational Electronic Warfare (EW) training capability.

The MPS provides the core technical framework for exercise planning, equipment programming, command and control (C2), post-mission analysis, and data management across air, land, and maritime domains.

As the MPS Engineering Lead, you will manage the system's full engineering life cycle, from concept and design through to delivery, ensuring it meets operational, security, and safety requirements and is completed on schedule.

• Lead the engineering activities for the MPS, ensuring alignment with project objectives, standards, and milestones.

• Oversee contractor design and integration work, ensuring compliance with project and stakeholder requirements.

• Develop and maintain system architecture, information models, and supporting documentation.

• Collaborate with technical specialists, system architects, and cybersecurity professionals to ensure the MPS is secure, safe, and fit for purpose.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to capture and validate user needs.

• Participate in design reviews, test and evaluation activities, and validation of deliverables.

• Contribute to system safety and security reviews as a suitably qualified and experienced professional (SQEP).

• Support project management and documentation activities to ensure successful delivery.

• HND/Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Software Engineering, Systems Design, Network Engineering, CIS Administration).

• Demonstrable experience in engineering roles within defence, government, or complex technical projects.

• Proven ability to manage full engineering life cycles, from design through to delivery.

• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent.

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or equivalent qualification.

• Experience working with Electronic Warfare or Command and Control systems.

• Knowledge of system safety and security principles.

• Strong understanding of system and enterprise architecture methodologies.

• Ability to lead and influence technical teams and suppliers.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

• Effective communicator with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

• Some travel, including overseas, may be required.

• You will work closely with an international team to deliver a high-profile, multi-domain defence capability.