System Design Authority

**Purpose of job**
The SDA is an important role, central to Submarine Systems divisional delivery and future business growth.
Our SDAs are responsible for the overall technical leadership and systems engineering of the solutions which we provide. They lead in the development of these solutions from initial concepts through to their acceptance by our customers. Beyond acceptance, they retain technical ownership and authority for the design of our systems as these are used, supported and modified through life.
The role requires our SDAs to work closely with our customers and also with our project managers and colleagues in our internal Engineering and Production divisions, to ensure that our products and services satisfy the needs of our customers and are fit for purpose in all other respects. Many of the systems we provide deliver front-line defence capability and are depended on to operate reliably in the harsh underwater environments within which submarines operate. To achieve these goals means that the systems we provide must be right, and we need the innovation, determination, knowledge and skills of our SDAs to ensure this.

**Reporting relationships**
Reporting to the Submarine Systems Divisional Chief Engineer

**Location**
Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith

**Employment status**
Permanent

**Background**

Submarine Systems Division is working to secure an increasing share of the UK submarine market; providing and supporting systems used by the Royal Navy’s submarine flotilla. Major successes have been achieved in the past and further opportunities are being pursued in the areas of submarine sonar, combat systems, signatures, electric actuation, underwater weapons and countermeasures. There is strong growth in all areas. Several export projects complement this domestic UK business, with a number of further export orders currently being pursued. AEUK is actively involved in providing direct support to the Submarine Delivery Agency in the Bristol area through the Submarine Systems SDA team.

To ensure that AEUK continues to deliver existing project commitments and secures the identified future opportunities, additional Submarine Systems SDA capacity is being sought by the division.

**Scope**

The SDA will work with the division’s Product Managers in promoting AEUK capabilities and in engaging with customers and wider stakeholders to develop and secure future business opportunities; this will involve the analysis of requirements, the development of solution concepts and the translation of these concepts into high level architectural designs and system specifications. Working with technical leaders in Engineering Division, the SDA will prepare technical proposals and provide support to appointed Bid Managers in responding to invitations to tender and requests for quotation.

For ongoing work, the SDA has responsibility for the technical management of allocated projects, including all aspects of systems engineering management. He/she will work closely with divisional Project Managers, colleagues in Engineering and Production Divisions, other business support functions and external suppliers. The SDA is responsible for ensuring the delivery of products and services in accordance with agreed project plans and associated performance, cost and time targets.

The SDA will also engage with colleagues in other Divisions to ensure alignment of customer and self-funded research with Submarine Systems division product development needs and plans. This will involve the identification and road-mapping of key enabling technologies and an active contribution to AEUK’s standardisation initiative. The SDA owns the long term plan for product development and updates.

**Knowledge, skills and personal qualities required**
- Sonar/seismic arrays
- Sensor data and signal processing, cabling and telemetry
- Real time systems, decision support systems, and their infrastructure
- Towed array and cable handling systems
- Weapon and Countermeasure systems
- Noise, vibration and electromagnetic data gathering, analysis, and management
- Acoustic and RF systems
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Safety systems
- Physical and system modelling and simulation
- Future submarine design concepts and technologies

They will be able to quickly establish productive working relationships with customers, military staff and other stakeholders.

**Key accountabilities may include**
- Reporting to the Submarine Systems Divisional Chief Engineer

**Behavioural requirements**
- Systems thinker
- Innovative and prepared to challenge conventional thinking
- Tenacity and determination; with desire to deliver outputs and results
- Interest in submarine systems
- Team player and leader
- Confidence and enthusiasm
- Excellent communication skills; oral and written

**More information**

**How to apply**

Only successful applicants will be contacted.
- ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK Ltd
- Winfrith Newburgh
- Dorchester
- Dorset DT2 8ZB Download PDF