The Opportunity

An advanced engineering organisation working at the forefront of maritime autonomy is seeking a Supporting Technical Lead to help deliver next-generation uncrewed underwater systems from prototype through to production.

This role sits at the centre of a highly multidisciplinary programme focused on developing complex subsea platforms and associated AI-enabled technologies for defence and national security applications. You will provide the whole-system engineering perspective needed to move from early-stage development into a documented, repeatable, production-ready capability across a multi-unit build programme.

Working alongside experienced mechanical, electrical, embedded, and software engineers, you will help integrate subsystems into a coherent and manufacturable platform. You will play a key role in resolving technical trade-offs, coordinating engineering activity, and ensuring momentum is maintained in a fast-paced development environment.

The work is technically challenging, mission-focused, and directly connected to real-world operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Delivery

• Drive the transition from engineer-built prototypes to a fully documented, production-ready system
• Ensure manufacturing, assembly, and test considerations are embedded into design decisions from the outset
• Own design documentation, version control, and assembly instructions to support repeatable production
• Support supplier selection and qualification activities, identifying supply chain risks and component availability issues
• Embed scalable manufacturing thinking across the programme lifecycle

Systems Integration & Testing

• Lead integration activities across multiple hardware and software subsystems
• Define interfaces clearly and ensure integration requirements are validated throughout development
• Coordinate closely with software and hardware engineering teams to maintain alignment
• Develop and execute test strategies covering bench testing, environmental trials, and operational testing
• Capture findings from testing activities and drive iterative improvements

Technical Leadership

• Resolve competing engineering approaches using practical systems-level judgement
• Make informed trade-off decisions across mechanical, electrical, and embedded domains
• Lead technical reviews and coordinate delivery across multidisciplinary teams
• Maintain programme momentum by distinguishing between designs ready for production and those requiring further iteration
• Communicate technical rationale clearly to achieve alignment and informed decision-making

About You

You should apply if you:

• Have experience building, integrating, testing, and deploying complex electromechanical systems in operational environments
• Can make systems-level engineering decisions spanning mechanical, electrical, and embedded software disciplines
• Are comfortable resolving technical ambiguity and balancing competing priorities
• Have led technical reviews and coordinated engineering outputs across multidisciplinary teams
• Understand how to transition complex products from prototype to production
• Can document technical decisions clearly and effectively

Desirable Experience

• Experience with uncrewed or autonomous maritime systems
• Familiarity with subsea communications, underwater sensing, or edge compute technologies
• Experience working within defence, aerospace, maritime, or other safety-critical engineering environments
• Exposure to vessel operations, launch and recovery systems, or offshore testing activities

Why Apply?

• Work on cutting-edge autonomous and AI-enabled technologies
• Collaborate with highly experienced engineers and technical specialists
• Contribute to programmes with real-world operational impact
• Solve technically unique challenges in a fast-moving environment
• Influence both product development and engineering culture within a growing organisation

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity/options package
• Relocation support available
• Annual learning and development allowance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Regular social and team events
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Structured onboarding programme with exposure to multiple engineering teams