Systems Engineering / IV&V Lead
Join the team redefining defence technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programmes that shape the future battlespace, find your place in the next generation of defence innovation.
About the Opportunity
This role sits at the heart of delivering secure, high‑integrity systems for critical defence programmes. You will contribute to the development of advanced solutions that protect sensitive information and enable trusted communication in demanding operational environments.
The Role
You will be responsible for driving verification and validation across complex hardware, software and firmware-based systems. Acting as a senior technical authority, you will develop test strategies, assure engineering quality, and guide evidence generation from concept to acceptance. You will operate independently, mentor engineering teams, lead technical delivery, and influence best practice across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead assurance of Systems Engineering activities, including in‑process verification and validation.
- Deliver clear, conclusive evidence through System Integration, Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities.
- Create and maintain IV&V artefacts: strategies, plans, procedures, compliance matrices and reports.
- Ensure system correctness and completeness from requirements to final acceptance.
- Apply IV&V processes in accordance with industry standards and best practice.
- Lead development of specialist test equipment, rigs, harnesses and fixtures.
- Oversee safety and security of test environments and IV&V events.
- Act as a key contributor to engineering design reviews, TRRs and project gateways.
- Support qualification and compliance testing with internal and external test houses.
- Manage use of external IV&V facilities, including interoperability testing.
- Drive improvements in Systems Engineering and IV&V tools, methods and processes.
- Provide expert technical guidance across engineering teams.
- Mentor and coach engineers and non-technical staff in IV&V principles.
- Ensure security of information in line with government regulations.
- May include line management (2-6 engineers), technical leadership or subject matter expertise.
Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Current or recent SC clearance, with ability to obtain/maintain DV.
- Willingness to travel within the UK as required.
- Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or relevant defence experience.
- Strong Systems Engineering knowledge (INCOSE / ISO 15288).
- Proven IV&V experience aligned to ISO 29119.
- Background in testing hardware, software and firmware systems.
- Experience developing special‑to‑type test equipment across multiple projects.
- Strong understanding of safety and security for laboratory/test environments.
- Experience delivering qualification and compliance test activities.
Desirable Experience
- Familiarity with environmental testing facilities and methods.
- Experience generating Basis of Estimate (BoE) for bids and change proposals.
- Engagement with professional engineering bodies; advocates for SE/IV&V standards.
- Experience with ISO 17025 test facilities.
- INCOSE membership (ASEP/CSEP).
- IV&V or test‑related certification.
- Use of test automation frameworks.
- Experience with Environmental / EMC / EMI / TEMPEST testing.
- Competence in modelling techniques for test scoping or environment design.
- Scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash, JavaScript, Perl).
- Knowledge of iterative and modern development methods such as TDD, BDD, ATDD.
Why Join?
- Work on mission‑critical systems with tangible national security impact.
- Be a recognised technical leader and mentor within a high‑performing team.
- Influence future Systems Engineering and IV&V best practice.
- Access ongoing professional development and opportunities to specialise.
Benefits include
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 days' holiday + Bank Holidays (with the option to buy an additional 5 days)
- Pension contributions
- 4× Life Assurance
- Flexible working hours, including the option to finish at 1pm on Fridays
- A range of flexible benefits such as cycle‑to‑work and will‑writing services
- Security Clearance Allowance (where applicable)
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