Systems Engineering / IV&V Lead

Powering Decision. Securing the Future.

Join the team redefining defence technology.
From engineering systems that save lives to leading programmes that shape the future battlespace - find your place in the next generation of defence innovation.

About the Opportunity

This role sits at the heart of delivering secure, high-integrity systems for critical defence programmes. You will contribute to the development of advanced solutions that protect sensitive information and enable trusted communication in demanding operational environments.

Join our ciet and play a key role in shaping the technology that underpins national security.

The Role

As a Systems Engineering / IV&V Lead, you will be responsible for driving verification and validation across complex hardware, software and firmware-based systems. Acting as a senior technical authority, you will develop test strategies, assure engineering quality, and guide evidence generation from concept to acceptance.

You will operate independently, mentor engineering teams, lead technical delivery, and influence best practice across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assurance of Systems Engineering activities, including in-process verification and validation.
• Deliver clear, conclusive evidence through System Integration, Verification & Validation (IV&V) activities.
• Create and maintain IV&V artefacts: strategies, plans, procedures, compliance matrices and reports.
• Ensure system correctness and completeness from requirements to final acceptance.
• Apply IV&V processes in accordance with industry standards and best practice.
• Lead development of specialist test equipment, rigs, harnesses and fixtures.
• Oversee safety and security of test environments and IV&V events.
• Act as a key contributor to engineering design reviews, TRRs and project gateways.
• Support qualification and compliance testing with internal and external test houses.
• Manage use of external IV&V facilities, including interoperability testing.
• Drive improvements in Systems Engineering and IV&V tools, methods and processes.
• Provide expert technical guidance across engineering teams.
• Mentor and coach engineers and non-technical staff in IV&V principles.
• Ensure security of information in line with government regulations.
• May include line management (2-6 engineers), technical leadership or subject matter expertise.

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Current or recent SC clearance, with ability to obtain/maintain DV.
• Willingness to travel within the UK as required.
• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or relevant defence experience.
• Strong Systems Engineering knowledge (INCOSE / ISO 15288).
• Proven IV&V experience aligned to ISO 29119.
• Background in testing hardware, software and firmware systems.
• Experience developing special-to-type test equipment across multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of safety and security for laboratory/test environments.
• Experience delivering qualification and compliance test activities.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with environmental testing facilities and methods.
• Experience generating Basis of Estimate (BoE) for bids and change proposals.
• Engagement with professional engineering bodies; advocates for SE/IV&V standards.
• Experience with ISO 17025 test facilities.
• INCOSE membership (ASEP/CSEP).
• IV&V or test-related certification.
• Use of test automation frameworks.
• Experience with Environmental / EMC / EMI / TEMPEST testing.
• Competence in modelling techniques for test scoping or environment design.
• Scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash, JavaScript, Perl).
• Knowledge of iterative and modern development methods such as TDD, BDD, ATDD.

Why Join?

• Work on mission-critical systems with tangible national security impact.
• Be a recognised technical leader and mentor within a high-performing team.
• Influence future Systems Engineering and IV&V best practice.
• Access ongoing professional development and opportunities to specialise.

Benefits include…

• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays (with the option to buy an additional 5 days)
• Pension contributions
• 4 Life Assurance
• Flexible working hours, including the option to finish at 1pm on Fridays
• A range of flexible benefits such as cycle-to-work and will-writing services
• Security Clearance Allowance (where applicable)

Get in touch with me for more information!

Software Engineer Watford - hybrid 6 month contract Inside ir35 Group expectations: Meets customer needs related to simple products and services while following standardised protocols. Develops personal capabilities using formal and informal training opportunities, while also coaching others as required. Identifies shortcomings in existing processes, systems and procedures, then uses established change management programmes to deliver prescribed outcomes and/or provide support services. Reviews non-compliance issues within current IT Security processes, systems and procedures, and works with guidance to ensure solution of ad hoc problems within the assigned unit and/or discipline. Helps others use and benefit from the existing knowledge management systems. Analyses customer needs and defines and delivers prescribed products by performing designated development/engineering activities using established systems. Keeps track of risk parameters and identifies and reports any major deviation to more senior colleagues while working within established risk management systems. Performs designated supplier management activities to deliver own prescribed outcomes and/or provide support to others by using existing systems and protocols. Navigates a wide variety of existing processes, procedures and precedents to interpret data and identify possible answers. Uses product specifications to design test procedures and standards. Provides primary supervision to a team performing transactional work or supervises a small group performing junior professional tasks. Responds to individual and team objectives and invests in improving personal performance by growing own skills and capabilities, coaching others when required. Investigates questions related to existing programmes, processes and procedures. Additional expectations: Contribute to story refinement and estimation sessions Attend agile ceremonies such as stand-ups, retrospectives etc. Communicate effectively with stakeholders and build relationships with users around the business Communicate with third-party developers when we collaborate with other development houses Work with members of the business, to ensure technical solutions meet business needs Produce good quality, well-structured code, always thinking about performance Implement libraries and tooling to support our products Collaborate with other developers and coordinate project work Document technical approaches Key Skills: Good knowledge of the Perl programming language as well as knowledge of other tech stacks such as JavaScript Experience with architectural design patterns Experience with automated unit / integration testing Experience working in an agile environment Experience in Oracle database design and development Experience integrating with APIs Expertise with version control (Git) Self-motivated to complete allotted tasks Good written and verbal communication skills TO APPLY - PLEASE APPLY WITH AN UP-TO-DATE CV Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered. Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly. \*Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention

London/Colchester

Permanent - Hybrid
Up to £70,000 + bonus

VIQU have partnered with a leading technology-driven organisation seeking a Linux Engineer to join their growing Technology team. This is a hands-on, technically focused role where the Linux Engineer will support and optimise a mission-critical SAP HANA platform running on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, while also contributing to cloud integration with Microsoft Azure. The role blends BAU support with project delivery, providing scope to influence platform improvements and work alongside a skilled infrastructure and DevOps team.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage and maintain SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) environments.
Monitor systems, troubleshoot issues, and optimise performance.
Ensure system security and compliance with industry standards.
Automate tasks using Bash, Python, or Perl scripts.
Design, deploy, and manage Linux workloads in Azure.
Implement and manage virtual networks, storage, and Azure resources.
Ensure high availability and disaster recovery of critical systems.
Use Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipeline automation and infrastructure as code (IaC).
Collaborate with developers, DBAs, and network engineers to provide technical guidance.
Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.

Key Requirements:

Proven experience as a Linux Administrator, ideally with SLES.
Hands-on SAP HANA administration and optimisation experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Azure, including ARM templates, Azure CLI, and PowerShell.
Strong Scripting skills (Bash, Python, Perl) for automation.
Experience supporting large-scale enterprise environments.
Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
SUSE or Microsoft Azure certifications are a plus.

Apply today to speak with VIQU in confidence or contact Belle Hegarty via the VIQU website
Know someone exceptional for this Linux Engineer position? Refer them and receive up to £1,000 if successful (terms apply).