Defence Systems Engineering Lead
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 11, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 8, 2026. WSP scores B on the Alion truth index.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
WSP is recruiting a Defence Systems Engineering Lead to grow our Defence systems capability, strengthen client relationships and lead high-quality delivery across complex programmes.
This senior role sits within our Systems Engineering, Integration and Assurance team and works closely with WSP’s Defence business. You will shape sector strategy and propositions while maintaining a clear line of sight from operational outcomes to architecture, requirements, interfaces, evidence and acceptance.
A little more about your role…
- Set the strategy and grow the market: Own the Defence systems engineering strategy, track market and policy developments, build trusted senior client relationships, shape differentiated propositions and lead capture plans, bids and commercially robust proposals.
- Lead systems delivery and technical governance: Direct assignments across the lifecycle, tailoring management approaches, plans, reviews and assurance so that evidence supports timely decisions.
- Integrate the whole system and manage performance: Oversee concepts, architectures, requirements, interfaces, configuration and verification across multidisciplinary teams, balancing capability, affordability, schedule, safety, security, quality, commercial performance and client satisfaction.
- Grow WSP’s capability and provide visible leadership: Connect teams across the business, recruit and mentor practitioners, strengthen communities of practice, represent WSP in industry forums and set clear expectations for collaboration, professional development and sustainable growth.
What we are looking for you to demonstrate…
- Professional standing and Defence experience: A relevant degree or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer status or comparable professional recognition is preferred, with INCOSE or IfSE certification desirable; significant leadership experience on complex Defence or other safety- and security-critical programmes and a strong understanding of the UK Defence market and acquisition environment.
- Growth and commercial success: A proven record of developing strategies and pipelines, building senior client relationships, winning work, leading major bids and delivering commercially successful consultancy assignments.
- Systems engineering and digital expertise: Strong lifecycle knowledge across concepts, architecture, requirements, interfaces, configuration, integration, verification, validation, acceptance and assurance, with experience of digital engineering or model-based systems engineering, relevant tools and technical governance.
- Influential and collaborative leadership: Credibility with senior stakeholders, experience leading multidisciplinary teams and facilitating difficult decisions, and a One WSP approach that promotes inclusion, mentoring, knowledge sharing and high performance; an established Defence network would be advantageous.
- Security clearance: The ability to obtain and maintain the level of UK national security clearance required for the role and relevant assignments.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today.