Test & Engineering Manager
// Role Summary
Lead the engineering, testing, and customer acceptance for a critical Security Operations Centre (SOC) build within a major international defence programme. This role involves managing internal lifecycles and client-facing acceptance strategies.
// Key Responsibilities
- Manage engineering and testing lifecycle for a new Security Operations Centre (SOC).
- Plan and lead customer acceptance activities, negotiating timelines and processes.
- Author key engineering documentation including Test Strategies and Engineering Management Plans.
- Assess and improve existing deployments and client capabilities.
- Requires strong client-facing skills and stakeholder management.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.
// Role Specification
About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is a leading force with 4,500 digital, cyber, and intelligence experts operating across 10 countries. We collaborate to collect, connect, and interpret complex data, empowering governments, nation-states, armed forces, and commercial businesses to achieve digital advantage in challenging environments.
Join BAE Systems and become part of a global network, contributing your unique skills to pioneer progress and safeguard what matters. You'll be instrumental in delivering advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, and security solutions, shaping a safer future for everyone.
Role Overview
BAE Systems has been entrusted with the design and construction of a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) to fortify the cyber defence of a significant international defence programme. The information, systems, and networks requiring protection encompass a blend of Microsoft Cloud services and on-premises data centres spanning multiple regions and classification levels.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with exceptional technical and client-facing capabilities. This role will serve as a combined Engineering, Test, and Customer Acceptance Manager. You will be responsible for overseeing the internal engineering lifecycle while also planning and directing customer acceptance initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to design and implementation plans.
- Author essential engineering artefacts, such as the Engineering Management Plan and Test Strategy.
- Manage the resourcing of engineering and wider project teams.
- Provide expert advice on design, deployment, and configuration of new solutions.
- Assess existing deployments and client capabilities to identify areas for improvement and enhance overall maturity.
- Collaborate with the client to establish the basis for acceptance and define the methodology for achieving it.
- Ensure all programme engineering activities meet both internal and external expectations.
- Effectively size and manage the engineering team to fulfil project requirements.
- Oversee task and people management for the engineering team.
- Define the internal test strategy.
- Define and agree upon the Customer Acceptance Strategy and process.
- Lead acceptance activities directly with the customer.
- Review and approve all documentation required for releases or changes, including design, deployment, configuration, and administration guides.
- Develop test procedures to verify that solutions meet both functional and non-functional requirements.
Core Duties & Experience
- Extensive experience in managing large-scale, multi-source programmes.
- A strong understanding of SOC programmes and their associated technology stacks.
- A self-motivated approach to understanding and testing new tools and potential solutions.
- Proven experience in client-side consulting, including stakeholder engagement and the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly.
- Skilled in negotiating with clients to prevent unnecessary delays in acceptance.
- Proficiency in both internal and external stakeholder management.
- A strong team player, adept at working within multi-disciplinary and diverse teams.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and mentor team members.
- Self-awareness regarding personal strengths and weaknesses.
Beneficial Skill (Not Required): ISTQB Advanced Test Management.
Working Arrangements & Culture
We embrace hybrid working, allowing for flexibility in where and when you work. This approach enhances well-being by helping to balance work and personal life. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success. We foster an inclusive culture where employees from all backgrounds, with diverse perspectives and experiences, can collaborate to achieve excellence.
We are committed to making our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in assessment types, please discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter.
Security Requirements
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Your nationality, previous nationalities, and place of birth may influence the roles you can perform. All applicants must, as a minimum, achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, which typically necessitates 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK, depending on the vetting level.