Senior Missions Systems Engineer

  • DEA Aviation Ltd.
  • Retford, Nottinghamshire
  • 29/05/2026
Full time Information Technology Telecommunications Testing

Job Description

Senior Missions Systems Engineer

Department: Systems

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Gamston Airport, Retford

Reporting To: Jez Staples

Description

DEA is looking for a Senior Mission Systems Engineer to serve as a technical focal point for our Mission Systems department. This role is designed for a leader who excels at translating complex mission requirements into functional, model-based architectures while maintaining a "hands on" understanding of electronics and system builds.

Responsible for leading the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and assisting the Mission Systems Operations Manager and their deputy with the management of a multidisciplinary team to deliver robust, high reliability hardware and software systems. This coupled with maintaining the operational tempo of the current Mission Systems deployed on ISR contracts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Providing diagnostics and first line maintenance on a variety of airborne radar, electro optic and radio frequency sensors, mission computers, datalinks (SATCOM and line of sight), onboard operator consoles and ground stations
  • Lead MBSE Implementation: Drive the transition from traditional document based engineering to a model centric environment. Owning the system model (SysML) and ensuring it serves as the "single source of truth" for the entire project lifecycle.
  • Team Leadership & Management: Lead a team of Mission Systems Engineers, Technicians and Designers. Responsible for assisting career development, project resourcing, and maintaining a high standard of technical excellence across the team.
  • System Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full "V-model" lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements derivation to system integration, verification, and validation (V&V).
  • Electronics Oversight: Provide technical guidance on electronic hardware development, ensuring that system level requirements for power, thermal management, and signal integrity are met at the board and chassis level.
  • Standardisation & Architecture: While maintaining a generic systems approach ensure designs remain modular and scalable, utilising industry standards such as VPX where high performance ruggedized computing is required.
  • Management of a Systems Integration Lab that replicates the aircraft environment for testing new equipment, training operators and troubleshooting potential defects.
  • Day to day liaison with key stakeholders including Flight Operations ,Task Specialists, Engineering (Part 145) and Intelligence Analysts.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
  • MBSE Proficiency: Expert knowledge of SysML and experience with tools such as MatLab or similar.
  • Electronics Foundation: Solid understanding of digital and analog circuit design, power distribution, and electronic packaging.
  • Open Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with VPX architecture (VITA standards) for modular system design and backplane communication.
  • Requirements Engineering: Managing complex requirements and taking concepts through the 'V' lifecycle whilst maintaining traceability and compliance to successful integration.
  • Technical Communication: The ability to distill complex technical trade offs for executive leadership and non technical clients.
  • Problem Solving: A proven track record of resolving "system of systems" level issues that cross the boundaries of hardware, software, and firmware.
  • Flexibility: Ability to work in a fast paced engineering environment, effective under pressure and adept at prioritising tasks whilst managing competing demands; whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
  • Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels. Develops and maintains strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives
  • Standards: Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to health, safety, and environmental procedures, ensuring their consistent implementation and adherence.
Essential
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering/related field or 5+ years of total experience in a systems engineering environment, with a clear progression into leadership.
Preferred
  • INCOSE CSEP/ESEP or OCSMP (OMG Certified Systems Modeling Professional) is highly desirable.
  • Management Experience: Minimum of 5 years experience managing engineering teams, including performance management and budget oversight.
  • Strategic Planning: Ability to align technical roadmaps with broader business objectives.
  • CAA/EASA Part 145 knowledge and experience
Job Benefits
  • 4% Company pension contribution matching
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  • Cycle to Work
  • Bupa Healthcare
  • Perkbox Discount Platform