Lead Electrical Engineer

Are you an experienced Electrical or Electronics Engineer looking to work on highly complex defence programmes at the forefront of military technology?

We are currently recruiting for multiple Lead Electrical Engineers to join a leading defence organisation in Ampthill, supporting the design, development and integration of advanced electrical and electronic systems across UK classified programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence technologies whilst benefiting from a flexible four-day working week and exposure to the full product development lifecycle.

The Role

Reporting to the Design Team Lead, you will take ownership of the design, development and support of mixed electrical and electronic Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) solutions from concept through to delivery, following a structured phase-gate development process.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and development of electrical and electronic hardware solutions.
• Supporting the full product development lifecycle from concept through to manufacture and integration.
• Providing technical guidance and governance across design and integration activities.
• Defining engineering processes, specifications and procedures to support hardware design and manufacture.
• Conducting technical reviews of supplier capabilities and supporting source selection activities.
• Developing functional and physical design requirements to ensure integrated design architectures.
• Designing analogue and digital electronic circuitry, including microprocessor and FPGA-based solutions.
• Producing schematic designs and supporting PCB layouts.
• Performing circuit analysis, simulation, testing and evaluation activities.
• Supporting assembly, integration and qualification testing activities.
• Producing technical documentation including requirements specifications, compliance evidence, test documentation and trade studies.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver programme objectives.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Formal Electronics qualification (HNC, HND or Bachelor's Degree in Electronics or a relevant engineering discipline).
• Proven experience in Electronics Hardware Design and Product Development.
• Strong background in analogue and digital electronics design.
• Experience using Windchill or other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
• Proven experience with schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer.
• Knowledge of IPC standards and best practices.
• EMC awareness at both product and PCB level.
• Experience supporting Assembly, Integration and Test activities.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience using DOORS for requirements capture and management.
• Hardware qualification and verification experience.
• Preparation of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documentation.
• Awareness of IEC 61508 functional safety standards.
• Experience working with 28V power distribution systems.
• Previous experience within the defence, aerospace or highly regulated engineering sectors.

Security Clearance

• Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
• BPSS clearance is required to commence employment.

Working Arrangements

• Mandatory on-site attendance in Ampthill every Monday and Tuesday.
• Additional on-site days may be required depending on programme requirements.
• Flexible 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday).

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to work on advanced UK defence programmes.
• Flexible 4-day working week.
• Exposure to cutting-edge electrical and electronic system development.
• Collaborative engineering environment with multidisciplinary teams.
• Multiple vacancies available with immediate requirements.

If you're an experienced Electrical or Electronics Engineer looking to contribute to innovative defence technologies and work across the full hardware development lifecycle, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today by submitting your CV and a member of our Defence recruitment team will be in touch.