MPS Engineering Lead

Location: Abbeywood / Hybrid

Security Clearance Required: SC (NATO Member only)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Rate: Up to £550/day

Contract Length: Until 31 December 2027

Deadline for Submissions: 24 October 2025 at 13:00

Overview

The MPS Engineering Lead will oversee the engineering activities for the procurement, design, and integration of the Mission Planning System (MPS), a critical component of the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS) training system. This role ensures the MPS is secure, safe, and fit for purpose, meeting contractual and operational requirements. The MPS supports NATO’s multi-domain Electronic Warfare (EW) training objectives across air, land, maritime, and anti-ship missile defence domains.

Key Responsibilities

·       Act as the engineering desk officer for the MPS, ensuring compliance with NATO procurement rules and UK project standards.

·       Supervise the contractor’s design for individual assets and the overall system, ensuring alignment with the broader EW training system.

·       Collaborate with the contractor’s Network Architect and CIS/Security Lead to develop the MPS design and complete the Security Risk Assessment (SRA).

·       Ensure compatibility of the MPS with the broader EW training system, including land, maritime, air, and NASMDEF components.

·       Liaise with NATO JEWCS staff, NCIA, and technical specialists to capture and validate user needs.

·       Participate in design reviews, Integrated Test and Evaluation Acceptance (ITEA) activities, and validation of technical deliverables.

·       Serve as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) on the Project Safety Panel to ensure safety and security compliance.

Essential Skills & Experience

·       HND or Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Software Engineering, Network Design, CIS Administration, Systems Analysis and Design).

·       Relevant military or civilian experience in engineering.

·       Expertise in system/enterprise architecture, including use cases, assumptions, and information modelling.

·       Strong customer-facing skills to capture and validate user needs.

·       Experience in leading engineering life cycles, including design reviews and functional increments.

Desirable Skills & Experience

·       Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent.

·       Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or equivalent.

·       Experience in Electronic Warfare systems.

·       Knowledge of System Safety principles.

Additional Information

The role is based at Abbeywood with hybrid working arrangements. Travel will be required to Basildon, Southampton, Marlow, and RNAS Yeovilton, with potential for occasional overseas travel. The MPS Engineering Lead will work closely with the wider JEWCS engineering team to ensure the successful delivery of this high-profile, multinational defence project.