Chief Engineer

MERITUS Talent are working with a defence and national security contractror who are well embedded within the UK, for the recruitment of a Chief Engineer to join their South London office on a permanent basis. This is a strategic and senior hire for this specific customer.

We're hiring a Chief Engineer to take overall responsibility for the technical delivery of complex engineering programmes. Acting with delegated design authority, you'll ensure our products meet contractual and legislative standards and maintain a high standard of technical quality across all stages of delivery.

• Lead the technical delivery of engineering programmes, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with agreed plans and processes

• Implement the technical strategy for product development and ongoing maintenance

• Work with delivery managers to plan resource needs and structure the delivery team

• Manage engineering tasks and schedules to meet project milestones

• Produce accurate estimates for new and evolving programme needs

• Foster a delivery-focused, collaborative team culture

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of engineering procedures and artefacts

• Propose and lead internal R&D projects that align with programme goals

• Ensure all design reviews and documentation are completed to a high standard

• Represent the programme in technical governance forums and reviews

• Support efforts to attract, retain and develop engineering talent

• Contribute to team growth and a professional, inclusive culture

• Promote company values and act as a brand ambassador

• Stay compliant with internal policies and external regulations

• Proven leadership experience in a senior technical or engineering role

• Broad understanding of technology delivery, with strengths in people, process and capability development

• Strong strategic and communication skills, able to engage internal teams and external clients

• Excellent interpersonal skills - confident dealing with stakeholders at all levels

• Highly organised and capable of managing competing priorities

• Comfortable with task delegation and team coordination

• UK citizenship (essential for clearance purposes)

• SC Clearance (must hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain)

• Full UK driving licence and valid passport