Head of Systems Engineering

Role: Head of Systems Engineering and MBSE Location: Dubai Working Arrangement: Office based Salary: Up to £135k (wiggle room for the right candidate) this is as a package including transport/housing allowances). There is also a relocation package Build the engineering foundation for a next-generation aerospace programme. Some opportunities ask you to improve existing systems engineering functions. This one asks you to create it. We're assembling the founding engineering team behind a clean-sheet aerospace platform and sovereign mission system. From aircraft development and certification to secure communications and mission operations, this is a rare chance to define how systems engineering and MBSE are embedded from the very beginning. As Head of Systems Engineering & MBSE, you'll own the systems engineering framework across the entire programme. You'll lead a high-calibre team while remaining hands-on in the model, ensuring the architecture, requirements and verification strategy are connected through a robust, auditable digital thread. You'll establish the MBSE capability from the ground up, creating the architecture framework, requirements strategy and traceability approach that will support the programme from concept through certification. You'll lead Systems Architects, MBSE Engineers, Requirements Engineers and Systems Engineers, partnering closely with Chief Engineers to guide architecture decisions, trade studies and programme integration. Within your first few months, you'll have the opportunity to stand up the MBSE toolchain, establish the initial architecture models, create the first requirements baseline and help define the compliance framework that will underpin the entire programme. • Extensive systems engineering experience within certified aerospace programmes, including significant hands-on MBSE and SysML modelling. • A proven background managing complex requirements and end-to-end traceability using modern requirements management tools. • Experience applying ARP4754B within a real certification programme. • The ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams while remaining technically involved. • Ideally, experience establishing an MBSE capability from scratch and integrating modelling and requirements toolchains. Why this opportunity? This is a genuine greenfield programme where your decisions will shape how engineering is done for years to come. You'll influence both the technical architecture and the engineering culture, building the systems engineering capability that supports an ambitious, sovereign aerospace programme from day one. If you're excited by the opportunity to create, lead and still stay close to the technical detail, we'd love to hear from you. Apply in confidence or contact us for a confidential discussion. We welcome diverse applicants and are dedicated to treating all applicants with dignity and respect, regardless of background. Show more Show less

Extensive systems engineering experience within certified aerospace programmes, including significant hands-on MBSE and SysML modelling. A proven background managing complex requirements and end-to-end traceability using modern requirements management tools. Experience applying ARP4754B within a real certification programme. The ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams while remaining technically involved. Ideally, experience establishing an MBSE capability from scratch and integrating modelling and requirements toolchains.

Own the systems engineering framework across the entire programme. Lead a high-calibre team (Systems Architects, MBSE Engineers, Requirements Engineers, Systems Engineers) and stay technically involved. Establish the MBSE capability from the ground up, creating the architecture framework, requirements strategy and traceability approach to support the programme from concept through certification. Stand up the MBSE toolchain, establish the initial architecture models, create the first requirements baseline and help define the compliance framework underpinning the programme. Guide architecture decisions, trade studies and programme integration in partnership with Chief Engineers.