Senior Engineering Manager

Ultra Precision Control Systems (PCS) are looking for a Senior Engineering Manager to join the Engineering Function. This role is responsible for the delivery and deployment of people resource into the development and support projects of the engineering department. In support of other Senior Engineering Managers (SEMs) and under the guidance of the Head of Engineering this role will provide a suitably qualified and experienced team to meet the quantifiable needs of the business.

You will also effectively manage risk and provide technical expertise to aid the Director of Engineering Development in satisfying the project needs of the business.

This role will also help satisfy the needs of internal and external support to bids, operations and other external customers as required.

Within this role you will also be responsible for achieving an On Time In Full (OTIF) as set by the VP Engineering and responsible for building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers, as well as ensuring all technical solutions within the allocated disciplines meet the scope of work and specification. The products and outputs should be safe, reliable, and meet the needs of stakeholders (including the ability to manufacture the product); this includes:

• Responsible for the engineering bid estimate Non-Recurring Costs (NRC) and engineering schedule.


• Responsible for technical risks and opportunities.


• Responsible for ensuring the product works and is deemed to be of an acceptable quality and relevant to necessary internal and external standards.


• Responsible for the specialist Engineering Team and their forward load in delivering the required bids and delivery projects.


• Ensuring commonality and design re-use across the engineering solutions.


• Ensure a consistent design approach across the portfolio


In this position you will collaborate with other Senior Engineering Managers of other disciplines, Heads of Departments, Senior Leadership Team and the Chief Technology Officer to develop strategic plans for business growth based on short-term and long-term goals.,
• Responsible for implementation and adherence to Ultra PCS engineering policies.


• Focus on on-time delivery of project activities in order to meet an OTIF (On Time In Full), as set by the VP Engineering.


• Ensure scope of work, budgets and deadlines are clearly understood


• Be proactive in communicating issues / deviations with the project team(s)


• Ensure timely and appropriate preventative and corrective actions are taken as needed and ensure the quality of technical work meets the satisfaction of external and internal customers.


• Deliver current projects, work packages and activities within +/-5% of the current agreed planned cost and schedule. Deliver future bids within +/-5% of the as bid cost and schedule.


• Ensure that rapid prototyping is used where it supports reducing the risk of non-delivery of the project.


• Be proactive in identifying areas of risk and proposing ideas for de-risking to the project team for review and action.


• Advocate for a right first-time culture.


• Ensure that the financial and human resource requirements necessary to complete all projects are identified and clearly communicated to the leadership team.


• Lead, motivate and develop an engineering team of the correct size and with the necessary skills to deliver the budget and strategic plan objectives.


• Meet the company's contractual engineering commitments to the satisfaction of external and internal customers.


• Manage and maintain the company's products and technologies and deliver IR&D investments.


• Provide leadership at all levels of the organisation.


• Communicate and embody the company vision and values.


• Strengthen talent within the company by recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and mentoring new employees.


• Support the Early Careers programme by advocating for, coaching and developing necessary skills in conjunction with the Early Careers Lead.


• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to all necessary parties.


• Evaluate employee performance and provide additional coaching and support as needed.


• Ensure continuous improvement and aligning organisational processes, creating a team-focused environment where all collaborate and execute successfully., Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer
Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self.
We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers.
We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.


• An engineering degree in a related field; MBA preferred or relevant level of experience.


• CEng certification preferred.


• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a design / development and manufacturing environment.


• A background in commercial negotiations and negotiating.


• Previous success in managing Project Managers and engineers in a leadership role.


• Experience with working with the Defence and Major Prime Contractors.


• Domestic and international travel required.


• Communication skills are key to increasing management's effectiveness with both superiors and subordinates.


• Leadership skills are pertinent to providing and seeking out continuing education opportunities and fostering a growth mindset.


• Delegation skills are crucial in identifying the best person (or people) for a particular task and act as a facilitator to motivate and direct the work.


• Time management skills are important in prioritizing tasks to ensure that projects are completed by deadlines and streamlining processes to maximize productivity.


• Negotiation skills are necessary for closing on opportunities for new business and follow-on work.


• Decision-making skills are key to weighing the costs and benefits of various options and determining the best course of action to achieve company goals.


• Problem-solving skills are crucial to analysing past and current performance and recommending objectives to improve productivity and profitability.


• Working knowledge of budgets and financial statements


• Background with manufacturing methods, process improvement programs and procedures.


• Competent in use of Microsoft Office products.


• Excellent interpersonal skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Excellent presentation skills.


Security Clearance:

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an SC Security Clearance, with the potential to achieve a DV security clearance.

Ultra PCS is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected.

We solve our customers' problems, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products optimised to support the unique challenges of the dismounted soldier. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back., Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It's the 'innovating' and 'empowering' values that we ASPIRE to be. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Every employee is critical to our success and as such we offer a range of flexible employee benefits along with career development opportunities.

• Flexible working within core working hours


• 25 days holiday with the option to buy/sell 5 days plus bank holidays.


• 4 times your annual salary in life assurance


• Flexible benefits package


• Pension Scheme - Less than 5 years' service up to 5.5% employer contributions, 5 years' service + up to 7.5% employer contributions.


• Sports and Social club


• Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events