Overview:

Our client, a leading micro-launch vehicle company, is seeking a highly skilled Deputy Head of Systems to act as the responsible systems engineer for a complete stage of their launch vehicle project. This role will involve leading a Systems team and ensuring the technical success of a multidisciplinary engineering program. The successful candidate will oversee a stage of the vehicle’s development, with a focus on propulsion, structure, avionics, and integrated stage testing.

The Company:

Our client is an innovative micro-launch vehicle company preparing to launch its next-generation rocket from its home spaceport. With substantial project financing secured and several commercial customers onboard, they are well-positioned to be one of Europe’s first operational micro-launch providers. Their cutting-edge technologies focus on reducing the carbon footprint of rocket launches, with an emphasis on sustainability, propulsion innovation, and advanced materials.

The company has built in-house production capabilities, including 3D-printed engines, carbon composite fuel tanks, and avionics testing facilities. They operate out of production and test sites in Scotland and Denmark, where their team is working on groundbreaking advancements in rocket technology.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Systems to serve as the Systems Authority for a complete stage of the launch vehicle. This position will involve acting as the responsible Systems Engineer for multiple technical disciplines, including propulsion, structures, avionics, and flight systems. The successful candidate will have significant experience leading complex, multidisciplinary projects, ideally in aerospace, defense, or similar high-tech industries.

In addition to the technical leadership responsibilities, the Deputy Head of Systems will collaborate with the Head of the Department to set strategic goals, manage day-to-day operations, and oversee a team of experienced engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership:

Act as the Systems Authority for a complete stage of the launch vehicle, overseeing propulsion, structures, avionics, and integrated stage testing.
Define and maintain the system baseline throughout the development cycle.
Be responsible for the schedule and deliverables related to:
- RAMSS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety, and Sustainability) & Licensing.
- System and mission analysis.
- Systems engineering group.
Plan and oversee stage-level testing, including test objectives, DUT (device under test) definition, and test specifications.
Organize and contribute to design reviews across various technical departments.

Management Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Head of Department to set and implement strategic goals for the Systems team.
Directly manage 3 group leads, overseeing their performance and development.
Provide insights and suggestions for departmental growth and continuous improvement.
Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring that all projects stay on track and within budget.
Facilitate communication within the department and with other departments to ensure smooth project execution.
Represent the department in high-level meetings and contribute to company-wide strategies and decisions.
Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
Ensure quality standards and compliance are met throughout the development process.

Required Experience and Skills:

Significant experience as a systems engineer for complex and multidisciplinary products, such as spacecraft, launch vehicles, or defense systems.
Expertise in mechanical systems, flight structures, avionics, complex electronics, and propulsion systems.
Previous leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Strong project management skills, with experience in delivering complex systems on time and within budget.
Ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical team members in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Personal Attributes:

Strong initiative and the ability to take responsibility for tasks and see them through to completion.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.
Thrive in a multicultural environment, with the ability to adapt to and contribute to a fast-moving, startup culture.
Enthusiasm for technical innovation and problem-solving, with a passion for space technology.