Job Title: Systems Engineer – Payload Systems (Autonomous Maritime)
Location: UK (Hybrid – Southampton, London or South of England)
The Opportunity
A major autonomous maritime programme is moving from concept into deployment, creating the need for a Systems Engineer who can take ownership of a mission-critical payload subsystem at the heart of the architecture.
This is not a traditional systems engineering environment with mature processes, extensive modelling frameworks and years spent refining requirements before delivery. The programme is operating at pace, deploying real capability in months rather than years. Success requires someone who can bring structure without creating bureaucracy, make sound engineering decisions with incomplete information and drive delivery across multiple stakeholders.
The subsystem combines sensing, edge processing, encryption and secure data handling, enabling autonomous and seabed platforms to deliver assured operational data into maritime command environments. It is a technically demanding challenge sitting at the intersection of defence, robotics, software and systems integration.
The Impact You Will Have
• Take full ownership of a strategically important payload subsystem from architecture through to operational deployment
• Drive technical decisions across sensing, edge compute, encryption and platform integration activities
• Define and manage critical interfaces between internal engineering teams, delivery partners and operational stakeholders
• Lead subsystem verification, validation and acceptance activities that directly influence programme delivery
• Shape engineering practices and help build systems engineering capability within a rapidly growing organisation
What Success Looks Like
• You are comfortable operating in environments where requirements evolve and priorities move quickly
• You have a track record of taking ownership and delivering complex systems rather than waiting for perfect inputs
• You combine systems thinking with a practical understanding of software, integration and real-world deployment
• You can engage confidently with suppliers, customers, engineers and senior technical leadership
• You know when rigour is essential and when pragmatism is required to maintain momentum
What Is on Offer
This role offers the opportunity to own a critical subsystem within one of the most ambitious autonomous maritime programmes currently being delivered in the UK.
You will have significant influence over architecture, delivery strategy and engineering standards while working alongside senior technical leaders tackling genuinely novel challenges in maritime autonomy, secure communications and defence technology.
For engineers who enjoy solving difficult problems, taking responsibility and building capability rather than inheriting it, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact from day one.
This search is likely to appeal to individuals who are already succeeding in fast-moving defence, robotics, autonomy or complex systems environments and are looking for a role where they can shape outcomes rather than simply contribute to them.
Who are we?
Executive Integrity is a global executive search and recruitment consultancy for a more sustainable world with a focus on talent within the Maritime and Renewable Energy sectors. We give a proportion of all our profits to Renewable World, a charity that develops affordable and innovative renewable energy solutions to poverty-stricken communities.
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