Description
Chief Systems Engineer
Location: We can have someone based out of our Whiteley, Farnborough or London office
The Role:
Leidos is seeking an experienced Chief Systems Engineer to join a diverse team to lead systems engineering across the UK business. We aspire to be recognised as an industry leader in reliably delivering complex systems to time cost and quality, delighting our customers. The successful candidate will be expected to develop the systems engineering disciples across the UK business coaching, overseeing and assuring all systems engineering efforts. 
You will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the engineering approach to design and integration of complex systems across the organisation, continuing to build our reputation for flawless execution.
This position will ensure that our engineering programmes employ engineering best practice ensuring they are designed and implemented to the highest standards.
What will I be doing:
System Design and Architecture:
*Lead and assure the design, integration, and optimization of complex systems, ensuring that all components function together seamlessly and meet performance, security, and reliability requirements.
*Define and maintain the standardised methodologies for defining system architectures that meet both technical and business needs, balancing performance, cost, and scalability.
*Ensure programmes apply appropriately tailored systems engineering and digital engineering best practices.
Leadership and Team Management:
*Functionally lead and mentor systems engineers in the UK, providing guidance on system design, problem-solving, and technical decisions.
*Foster collaboration across the wider Leidos business to share and assimilate systems engineering best practice.
*Develop and maintain a high-performance engineering culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
*Lead the delivery of quality control processes to ensure high standards are maintained across the engineering lifecycle.
Technical Strategy and Vision:
*Continue to define and evolve our technical roadmap for systems engineering methodology and toolchain, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals and inspired by industry best practice.
*Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to continuously improve system design and performance.
*Collaborate with executive leadership to translate business needs into technical solutions, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
What does Leidos need from me?
Our Chief Engineer should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related Engineering field and ideally hold an INCOSE Certification in Systems Engineering.
Experience required:
*Proven experience in systems engineering or related technical leadership roles, including substantial experience in the integration and development of complex systems.
*Ideally experience working in government and defence.
*Experience leading engineering teams and managing multidisciplinary projects.
*Experience with system design, architecture, and integration across hardware and software domains.
*Deep knowledge of industry standards, tools, and methodologies used in systems engineering.
Required Technical and Professional Expertise:
*Expertise in systems engineering methodologies (e.g., Model-Based Systems Engineering).
*Application of systems engineering practices across the engineering ’V-model’ to develop complex products.
*Strong understanding of software and hardware integration, embedded systems, or networked systems.
*Proficiency with various development platforms, programming languages, and tools (e.g. Doors, Cameo, Jira, SysML).
*Familiarity with agile development methodologies, DevOps practices, and continuous integration/deployment processes.
Leadership & Soft Skills:
*Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and inspire technical teams.
*Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges.
*Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
*Strong decision-making abilities under pressure, with a focus on long-term strategic goals.
Clearance Requirements: You need to be in the UK with the ability to hold SC clearance and above.
What we do for you:
At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:
•    Contributory Pension Scheme
•    Private Medical Insurance
•    33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
•    Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
•    Dynamic Working 
Commitment to Diversity:
We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture.  We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone.  If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.
Who We Are:
Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.
Leidos is agrowing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.
What Makes Us Different:
Purpose: you can use your passion and abilities at Leidos to keep the people you care about s