Assistant Chief Engineer

Maidenhead, Berkshire
Ultra Electronics Group

Delegated Design Authority and provider of technical leadership for multiple large, complex and multi-disciplinary projects, within the Cyber UK OBU, delivering multiple concurrent research, development and production programmes ranging from tens of £k to several £m. Responsibilities include project adherence to both functional and non-functional requirements (e.g. safety, conformance, quality), and oversight to ensure high quality design.

Responsible for / Key responsibilities

• Deputises as required for the Chief Engineer in respect of Design Authority and provider of technical leadership for multiple large, complex and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Applies diverse and expert engineering knowledge to quickly trouble-shoot difficult problems.
• Has significant interaction with customers and other external bodies; promotes the company’s strategic and programmatic agenda appropriately in these interactions.
• Identifies and drives for most cost-effective engineering solutions; can balance various diverse quantities in supporting this calculation (NRE, UPC); is innovative in this regard; uses judgement to determine when to buy rather than create IP.
• Support to managing the engineering processes across Cyber UK and ensures they are fit for purpose, meet the required legislative standards, and pass both internal and external audits.
• Anticipates technical problems and intervenes appropriately; recognised externally as a domain expert; attends relevant industry technical working groups and is influential in these forums.
• Mentors and coaches less experienced engineers; shares knowledge willingly and constructively; is a role-model for all engineers, in terms of both technical ability and behaviours.
• Performs with very limited direction; is not subject to supervision or close management.
• Delegated authority as required for the most significant engineering technical documents; may chair technical reviews, possibly including Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews at the request of the Chief Engineer.
• Strong presentation skills; can explain technically complex concepts clearly to less technical/involved parties.
• Has limited or no line management responsibility.
• Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.

Role requirements

• Essential:
  • Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, SC security clearance.
  • Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance.

Qualifications / skills required

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in one (or more preferably), software, firmware, hardware or systems engineering.
• Expert knowledge of the V-model, and good/best practice engineering process.
• In depth understanding and technical depth and credibility in the areas of information assurance, cyber-security, Government communications security systems and products.
• Extensive experience in technical leadership and managing delivery of multi-disciplined engineering projects.

Every employee is critical to our success and as such we offer a range of flexible employee benefits including:

• Annual Bonus
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday with the option to buy an extra 5
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Monthly Security Clearance Allowance – Subject to you holding the required security clearance

Here at Ultra I&C we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers.

We therefore do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible. If you have any issues with your application, please email us at

Ultra specialises in providing application-engineered bespoke solutions. We focus on our customers’ mission critical and intelligent systems in the defence, security, critical detection, & control markets.

Our capabilities and technologies can be found on many of the world’s long-term military programmes. We employ over 4,500 employees across the globe and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Click here to learn more about us.