Our defence sector client is recruiting for an SC cleared Mission Planning System (MPS) Engineering Lead to oversee the engineering activities for the procurement, design, and integration of the Mission Planning System, 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. This is a contract role starting ASAP until the end of March 2026 with scope to extend offering a day rate of up to £570 per day (Inside IR35).
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Engineering Leadership:
- 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 system as a whole, ensuring alignment with the broader EW training system.
System Design and Integration:
- Collaborate with the contractor’s Network Architect and CIS/Security Lead and SMEs to develop the MPS design, install the CIS network at the Main Operating Base (MOB), 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.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Liaise with NATO JEWCS staff, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), and other technical specialists to capture and validate user needs.
- Act as the primary interface on MPS between the UK authority and JEWCS.
- Engage with contractors to ensure design and implementation meet requirements.
Technical Evaluation and Documentation:
- Participate in design reviews, Integrated Test and Evaluation Acceptance (ITEA) activities, and validation of technical deliverables.
- Maintain the project Guide for Engineering Activities and Review (GEAR) documentation.
System Security and Safety:
- Serve as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) on the Project Safety Panel.
- Ensure the MPS meets system safety and security requirements.
Project Support:
- Provide support across other areas of the project as required, including document review, formal correspondence drafting, and stakeholder management.
- Take ownership of additional project areas to ensure successful delivery.3
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
- Expertise in system/enterprise architecture, including use cases, assumptions, and information modelling.
- Strong customer-facing skills to capture and validate user needs.
- Ability to manage and supervise contractor designs and ensure alignment with project objectives.
- Experience in leading engineering life cycles, including design reviews and functional increments.
- HND/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.
- NATO Security Clearance.
DESIRABLE
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent.
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or equivalent
- Experience in Electronic Warfare systems.
- Knowledge of System Safety principles.