Head of Modelling & Performance

Job Title: Head of Modelling & Performance

Salary: Up to £65,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Stevenage / Bristol (Relocation package available)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or Dual UK National with British citizenship required.

Restrictions related to nationality and work rights may apply. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by our Personnel Security Team.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong background in team leadership and delivery management to lead a medium-sized team through the remaining development and certification stages.

As the Head of Modelling & Performance, you will lead a seeker team responsible for developing algorithms and modelling frameworks that support software development and performance predictions for integrated missile systems. Additionally, you’ll work on scene generation capabilities, define studies to explore performance limits, and manage the full algorithm development life cycle, including auto-coding for software delivery.

You will also have the opportunity to:

• Support field trials.
• Contribute to shaping the company's industrial capabilities.
• Collaborate with a multi-national, multi-disciplinary engineering team across two missile programmes.

This is an exciting leadership role offering numerous progression opportunities and a chance to influence cutting-edge defence technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Share best practices across the programme and department to ensure efficient, coherent model deliveries into high-profile missile programmes.
• Encourage innovation, including enhanced agile methods, process improvements, auto-coding firmware, and preparation for machine learning/AI integration.
• Lead the technical development of seeker performance on cutting-edge hardware, using your expertise to accelerate progress.
• Bridge technical gaps between specialist skill groups to deliver coherent and complete performance models.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, deputising for senior leadership and representing the seeker team when needed.
• Demonstrate strong programme management skills, including budget management, risk mitigation, and identifying opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in systems engineering, particularly in team leadership and technical delivery.
• Expertise in algorithm development, modelling, and performance predictions for complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of agile methods, auto-coding, and modern software development approaches.
• Ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams and bridge technical knowledge gaps.
• Stakeholder management skills with the ability to represent the team at a senior level.
• Programme management skills, including budget handling, risk management, and opportunity identification.

Our Company

Our client is a leading defence organisation, proud of its role in supporting the Armed Forces and partnering with governments to work towards defending freedom. Join us in shaping the future of defence technologies and contributing to the security of our nations.

What We Offer

• Company bonus: Up to 21% of base salary.
• Pension: Total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%.
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave. Enhancements for paternity leave, neonatal leave, and fertility treatments.
• Facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking, and more.
• Training & Development: Opportunities for career progression and continuous professional development.

Interested?

Click Apply Now to take the next step in your career and lead innovative defence projects.