Defence Systems Engineering Lead
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£46,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2129 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 49% sure that is the right code. WSP GROUP LIMITED is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
This could also be SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers) or SOC 2133 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
WSP is recruiting a Defence Systems Engineering Lead to grow our Defence systems capability, strengthen client relationships and lead high-quality delivery across complex programmes.
This senior role sits within our Systems Engineering, Integration and Assurance team and works closely with WSP’s Defence business. You will shape sector strategy and propositions while maintaining a clear line of sight from operational outcomes to architecture, requirements, interfaces, evidence and acceptance.
A little more about your role…
- Set the strategy and grow the market: Own the Defence systems engineering strategy, track market and policy developments, build trusted senior client relationships, shape differentiated propositions and lead capture plans, bids and commercially robust proposals.
- Lead systems delivery and technical governance: Direct assignments across the lifecycle, tailoring management approaches, plans, reviews and assurance so that evidence supports timely decisions.
- Integrate the whole system and manage performance: Oversee concepts, architectures, requirements, interfaces, configuration and verification across multidisciplinary teams, balancing capability, affordability, schedule, safety, security, quality, commercial performance and client satisfaction.
- Grow WSP’s capability and provide visible leadership: Connect teams across the business, recruit and mentor practitioners, strengthen communities of practice, represent WSP in industry forums and set clear expectations for collaboration, professional development and sustainable growth.
What we are looking for you to demonstrate…
- Professional standing and Defence experience: A relevant degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer status or comparable professional recognition is preferred, with INCOSE or IfSE certification desirable; significant leadership experience on complex Defence or other safety- and security-critical programmes and a strong understanding of the UK Defence market and acquisition environment.
- Growth and commercial success: A proven record of developing strategies and pipelines, building senior client relationships, winning work, leading major bids and delivering commercially successful consultancy assignments.
- Systems engineering and digital expertise: Strong lifecycle knowledge across concepts, architecture, requirements, interfaces, configuration, integration, verification, validation, acceptance and assurance, with experience of digital engineering or model-based systems engineering, relevant tools and technical governance.
- Influential and collaborative leadership: Credibility with senior stakeholders, experience leading multidisciplinary teams and facilitating difficult decisions, and a One WSP approach that promotes inclusion, mentoring, knowledge sharing and high performance; an established Defence network would be advantageous.
- Security clearance: The ability to obtain and maintain the level of UK national security clearance required for the role and relevant assignments.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today.
#LI-MA1
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with WSP GROUP LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified (SOC 2129) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~167k in sample- Middle half £37,856–59,488
- Median £46,280
- Going rate £46,100
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–41,500
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at WSP GROUP LIMITEDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. WSP GROUP LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2129 going rate of £46,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.