Overview:
Role: Contractor – Systems Engineering Lead
Location: Leamington Spa
Role ID: 2026-3409
Pushing Boundaries: A World leader in propulsion engineering from concept to production
Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.
Headquartered in Shoreham by Sea (UK), Ricardo brings together more than 1,000 experts and delivers in excess of 200 major programmes globally at any given time. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com
The Role
We are seeking a Systems Engineering Lead to take ownership of the vehicle-level design and integration of advanced defence platforms, with a strong focus on chassis, steering, suspension, and overall mobility performance.
This role sits at the centre of the vehicle development process, ensuring that all subsystems — propulsion, running gear, structure, and onboard systems — are fully integrated into a cohesive, robust platform.
You will play a key role in delivering vehicles capable of operating in harsh environments, complex terrains, and demanding operational scenarios, where mobility, durability, and survivability are critical. You will ensure that the vehicle platform meets performance, durability, and operational requirements while maintaining integration coherence across all subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the system-level architecture and integration
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Define and integrate key vehicle subsystems including:
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Ensure effective integration of the powertrain into the vehicle platform, including engine, transmission, driveline, and cooling systems.
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Drive requirements capture, decomposition, and traceability, ensuring alignment with vehicle-level performance and mission needs.
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Deliver against critical performance measures such as:
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Mobility across varied terrain profiles
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Ride dynamics, stability, and handling
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Durability and fatigue life
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Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM)
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Integration within weight, space, and protection constraints
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Lead trade-offs and optimisation at system level, balancing mobility, protection, payload, and power.
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Coordinate cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing) to ensure coherent platform integration.
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Oversee vehicle-level verification and validation, including:
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Rig and subsystem testing
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Full vehicle integration testing
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Mobility trials and performance validation
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Environmental and durability testing
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Support safety case development and hazard analysis in line with defence standards.
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Manage system interfaces, configuration control, and vehicle-level BOM structures.
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Engage with suppliers for critical subsystems
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Mentor and develop systems engineers within the team
Experience Requirements
You are a Systems Engineering leader with strong experience in defence or heavy vehicle platforms, particularly in chassis, suspension, steering, and overall vehicle dynamics.
You understand the complexity of delivering vehicles that must perform reliably in extreme environments, balancing mobility, durability, and integration constraints.
You bring a pragmatic, system-level mindset, ensuring that complex subsystems come together into a fully functional, mission-ready vehicle.
Qualifications & Experience
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Degree (or higher) in Systems, Mechanical, Automotive, or Mechatronics Engineering
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Demonstrable experience in defence vehicles, heavy vehicles, or off-highway systems
Technical Expertise
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Proven experience in vehicle system architecture and platform integration
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Strong understanding of:
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Vehicle chassis design and structural integration
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Suspension systems and vehicle dynamics
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Steering and braking systems
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Driveline and powertrain integration
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Off-road mobility and terrain performance
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Experience in high-integrity, mission-critical systems, including durability and fault tolerance
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Strong systems engineering capability:
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Requirements management and traceability
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Functional decomposition and allocation
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Interface definition and control
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Familiarity with vehicle communication networks (CAN, J1939, MIL-STD)
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Experience with FMEA, DFMEA, and system-level hazard analysis
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Ability to define and execute vehicle-level validation programmes and field trials
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Strong analytical and problem-solving capability across complex mechanical systems
Tools & Processes
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Experience with DOORS NG, Polarion, or similar requirements tools
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Configuration and BOM management
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Experience working with specialist vehicle subsystem suppliers
Professional Skills
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Strong technical leadership and cross-functional coordination
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Excellent communication and documentation skills
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Delivery-focused, able to operate within structured defence programmes
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Strong ownership of system-level outcomes
Desirable Skills
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Experience with defence applications
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Knowledge of DEF STAN / MIL-STD requirements
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Experience with advanced suspension and steering technologies
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Previous security clearance (BPSS, SC or higher
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach as explained here. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are a recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.
Next steps
Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.
Ricardo is a Disability confident employer please advise the recruitment team via [email protected] if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.
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