JOB OPPORTUNITY: System Design Authority (SDA)
Purpose of the Job
The System Design Authority (SDA) is responsible for the overall technical leadership and systems engineering of the solutions we provide. You will lead the development of these solutions from initial concepts through to their acceptance by our customers. Beyond acceptance, you will retain technical ownership and authority for the design of our systems as they are used, supported, and modified through-life.
Scope of the Role
The SDA will work with the division's Product Managers to promote our organizational capabilities and engage with customers and wider stakeholders to develop and secure future business opportunities. This will involve the analysis of requirements, the development of solution concepts, and the translation of these concepts into high-level architectural designs and system specifications. Working with technical leaders in the Engineering Division, the SDA will prepare technical proposals and provide support to appointed Bid Managers in responding to invitations to tender and requests for quotation.
For ongoing work, the SDA has responsibility for the technical management of allocated projects, including all aspects of systems engineering management. Working closely with divisional Project Managers, colleagues in Engineering and Production Divisions, other business support functions, and external suppliers, the SDA is responsible for ensuring the delivery of products and services in accordance with agreed project plans and associated performance, cost, and time targets.
The SDA will also engage with stakeholders across the business to ensure alignment of customer and self-funded research with Submarine Systems division product development needs and plans. This will involve the identification and road-mapping of key enabling technologies and an active contribution to our standardisation initiatives. The SDA owns the long-term plan for product development and updates, working on projects through the entire product lifecycle—from concept through assessment and demonstration to acceptance and in-service support.
Knowledge and Experience
Candidates must be systems thinkers, capable of understanding the broader operational context of customer requirements and user needs. Previous experience of product lifecycles, systems design, system modelling and analysis, requirements management, test and acceptance, and/or production and support would be beneficial.
A technical background in at least one of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Sonar/seismic arrays
- Sensor data and signal processing, cabling, and telemetry
- Real-time systems, decision support systems, and their infrastructure
- Towed array and cable handling systems
- Weapon and Countermeasure systems
- Noise, vibration, and electromagnetic data gathering, analysis, and management
- Acoustic and RF systems
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Safety systems
- Physical and system modelling and simulation
- Future submarine design concepts and technologies
Personal Qualities & Behavioural Requirements
- Core Qualities: Team player and leader; confidence and enthusiasm; excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Mindset: Systems thinker who is innovative and prepared to challenge conventional thinking.
- Drive: Tenacity and determination, with a strong desire to deliver outputs and results.
- Interest: A genuine interest in submarine systems.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance).