Head of Engineering Mission Services

About BAE Systems Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems operates as the UK Government’s nominated Prime Contractor under Government-to-Government arrangements, providing equipment, support, and training to Saudi Arabia. The company is responsible for maintaining Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) aircraft and training RSAF and Royal Saudi Naval Force personnel in the safe use of aircraft, equipment, and weapons. BAE Systems Saudi Arabia is committed to the Saudi Arabian National Agenda, including Saudisation and the development of Saudi National capabilities through its National Partner Companies, reinforcing industrialisation and partnerships.

Role Overview

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia is seeking a Head of Engineering – Mission Services to be based in Riyadh. This full-time role requires over 10 years of experience and reports directly to the Director of Mission Services. The Head of Engineering will lead all Prime Contract Engineering Management activities related to Electronic Warfare within the Salam Programme, providing leadership and functional management to BAE Systems Saudi Arabia Engineering staff deployed in these programmes. The role involves advising the Salam Programme on technical issues and engineering management strategies, ensuring customer Electronic Warfare requirements are captured, understood, and flowed down to product and service providers. The Head of Engineering will assure that integrated technical EW solutions meet customer intended use and will assist in the validation and acceptance of these solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Prime Contracting Engineering activities for the Salam Electronic Warfare Programmes, serving as the primary project Engineering management contact for all stakeholders.
• Support the development and measured implementation of Salam Engineering strategies across Electronic Warfare Programmes.
• Establish and maintain a Salam Engineering management system compliant with the BAE Systems Saudi Arabia Functional Governance Manual.
• Identify key technical roles, ensure individuals are licensed through appropriate Governance Routes, and document delegated authority trails.
• Ensure Electronic Warfare Teams provide solutions that satisfy customer requirements and inform business decisions on technical issues.
• Flow down relevant elements of the Salam Engineering management system to supplier organisations and implement appropriate assurance monitoring.
• Ensure correct technical interfacing across all contracted packages and that complete systems meet contracted customer requirements.
• Implement an integrated approach through the Salam Safety Management System, covering Product/Service/Environmental safety and SHE, in line with BAE Systems Saudi Arabia Safety Policy.
• Focus engineering activities on meeting delivery, quality, schedule, and cost standards as per customer specifications and company governance.
• Ensure the Salam Electronic Warfare Engineering management capability, including people, tools, and facilities, meets business needs.
• Focus the Electronic Warfare Engineering community on reducing Technical Risk exposure and maximising the flow down of Technical Integration responsibility.
• Manage career development for Engineering staff within the Salam Electronic Warfare Programme.
• Oversee the Saudisation Programme for Electronic Warfare Engineering roles.
• Review and claim contract milestones in accordance with agreed schedules.
• Ensure Mission Services programmes are delivered according to the business plan and contractual commitments.
• Proactively manage risks and opportunities across the supply chain.
• Enhance and manage customer relationships across all Mission Services programmes.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in multi-national project environments, ideally including international work.
• Experience with MoD Contracts, including supply chain management.
• Experience in the development and application of engineering processes, organisational design, functional governance, assurance, and successful deployment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and recognised professional standing as an Executive Engineer.
• Extensive experience in aerospace Prime Contracting, preferably in a KSA environment, supporting Systems activities through the complete lifecycle, including disposal.
• Experience in a senior supporting role leading a delivery organisation in a technology-rich environment.
• Experience operating in a highly regulated and scrutinised area with significant impact on organisational reputation.
• Strong Electronic Warfare engineering background in either design or maintenance.
• Experience and knowledge of the LCM process, ideally as a Phase and/or Design Review Chair.
• Expert leadership, delegation, and team-building skills for effective people management of large and complex programmes.

Benefits

For expatriate employees, benefits include a competitive salary, rent-free accommodation, access to free recreation facilities within Company secured accommodation, generous leave and travel allowance, the opportunity for family to join in the future (initially single status appointment), and a full health care scheme provided within Saudi Arabia. Saudi National employees receive a competitive salary and benefits package, generous leave and travel allowance, a full health care scheme, and access to subsidised recreational facilities.