Control Systems Engineering manager

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: YesRELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Role:

The Engineering Manager for Control Systems (CS) is responsible for the functional excellence of the CS capability across the NG Defence Operating Unit. They lead and line manage the team to provide the capability required by the operating unit and is the primary point of contact for the function. The functional manager is responsible for the planning, directing and coordinating of the functional activities to meet agreed metrics (including schedule, budget, quality, technical performance) and in compliance to required processes and practices (e.g. company frameworks, processes, standards, export controls, etc). They will provide input to support the DOU engineering strategy and will be responsible for the delivery of CS initiatives linked to the strategy. They will also take a lead CS role within one or more programmes. As line manager, you will be expected to direct, motivate, influence and performance manage circa 4-10 engineers and engineering Managers.

Key Responsibilities

Resourcing and People Management

• Line Management of the CS engineers and Managers, ensuring safety of the team and that they are meeting the expectations of the Head of Engineering.
• Capability Management - Identification of capability needs in the CS function, gaps in current capability and building plans to fill these gaps.
• Career management of the CS function, organising internal/external training on capabilities, processes and tools.
• Resource management - Resource supply against demand management. Capacity planning and recruitment, outsource management.

Delivery

• Functional delivery - Ensures appropriate planning, allocation of SQEP and appropriate resources to the various projects and programmes, and functional activities are performed in accordance with approved process. Ensures high quality outputs (either from own review or delegated to SQEP team members) from the function and that they are delivered to agreed timescales and costs.
• Project assigned functional lead for the most complex / demanding projects and issues where they are expected to plan, execute, monitor progress and act on changes.
• Review of documentation, designs and deliverables as a suitably qualified individual within CS.
• Planning - Approval of project plans specific to the function, tailoring company processes. Implementing functional plans and objectives necessary to meet the Defence Operating Unit engineering plans and objectives.
• Excellence - Perform Design assessments/audits as directed by the Chief Technologist or Head of Engineering. May perform audits on own function and other areas of the business.
• Process Management - Highlight process needs to the Head of Engineering, agree proposals and work with the Technical Directorate to update processes within the company business management system (within agreed budgets). May own Defence Operating Unit specific processes, if required.
• Asset management - Identify tools required to keep up to date in latest capabilities. Management of tools owned by the CS function.
• Leadership - Motivate and drive the CS function to meet key business and operational unit objectives. Develop an open and inclusive team culture that supports doing the right thing and achieving excellence. Ensure behaviours in teams meet standards expected of NG employees. Influences others and supports colleagues through changes expected within a large multi-functional organisation.
• Communication - Develop relationship with other managers within and outside of engineering to support the delivery of projects and meet objectives of the function and organisation. Promote the CS function using capability identification and performance metrics. Engage and communicate with stakeholders for the effective implementation of CS deliverables.
• Compliance – ensures compliance to standards, regulations, and company policies and processes applicable to the CS function.

Competency/Skill requirements

• Demonstrated engineering expertise in developing and supporting (in-service) Control products/systems within the defence industry and functional area.
• Ability to critically review engineering analyses and data.
• Ability to develop/manage a product / Software through the development lifecycle.
• Adept at problem-solving, able to develop solutions to a variety of complex problems.
• Organised, adept at workload management and prioritising appropriately to meet deadlines.
• Flexible and responsive to changing priorities.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with all audiences/stakeholders and present relevant information clearly at all levels of the organisation.
• Leadership skills, including being strategic, effective communication (influencing, motivation, listening), investing in people and setting up teams and individuals to be successful in role.

Essential qualifications / experience 

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering / technical subject (e.g. Electrical/Electronic engineering, C&I engineering, Systems engineering or similar) or extensive experience in a relevant area.
• Relevant experience within defence, maritime, and/or aerospace sector, with a proven track record in delivering projects in the defence industry
• Working knowledge of Defence Standards and regulations (e.g. Defence Standard 05-057).
• Experience leading teams and projects.
• Evidenced substantial experience in a PLC Control Systems design and programming  role, including but not limited to:
  • Developing Management plans for development and in-service systems and executing plan to cost and schedule.
  • Creating processes that adhere to standards and regulations.
  • Design and integration of PLC & SCADA control systems.
  • Selection & Specification of COTS PLC & SCADA equipment.
  • High Level Programming Language experience within SCADA environments.
  • Software development Lifecycles, processes and procedures.
• Business Acumen – Understanding of business metrics and needs/expectations from other areas of the organisation that impact engineering (finance, HR, Supply Chain, Programmes, quality).

Preferred qualifications/experience/knowledge

• Experience developing high performing teams and Line management experience preferable.
• Chartered Engineer

Other requirements

• Travel requirements: Occasional UK travel may be required to attend team/customer/supplier meetings and training activities
• Clearance requirements: Post-holder must hold and maintain UK Government clearances where required

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.