System Design Authority

Are you ready to steer innovation beneath the waves?

Do you have the skills to navigate the future of maritime technology?

Join TKMS Atlas UK, a successful and ever-expanding company, in our quest for a System Design Authority (SDA) within our Submarine Systems division. This role is instrumental in driving delivery excellence and shaping our future business growth.

About TKMS Atlas UK

TKMS Atlas UK is a global leader in developing, supplying, and supporting cutting-edge maritime technology. Headquartered in Winfrith, Dorset, we work in close partnership with the UK Royal Navy and international clients to create products that safeguard lives at sea.

The Role of our SDAs

Our SDAs are at the forefront of technical leadership and systems engineering, driving the development of solutions from conceptualization to customer acceptance. Beyond this, they retain technical ownership and authority as our systems are deployed, supported, and adapted throughout their operational lives.
The SDA role demands close collaboration with our customers, project managers, and colleagues within our internal Engineering and Production divisions. This ensures that our products and services not only meet customer needs but also excel in challenging underwater environments, where reliability is paramount.

Key Responsibilities and Scope:

As an SDA, you will collaborate with the division's Product Managers to promote AEUK's capabilities and engage with customers and stakeholders to secure future business opportunities. This involves analysing requirements, developing solution concepts, and translating them into high-level architectural designs and system specifications. Working closely with technical leaders in the Engineering Division, you'll prepare technical proposals and support Bid Managers in responding to invitations to tender and requests for quotations.
For ongoing projects, you'll take on the technical management of allocated initiatives, overseeing all aspects of systems engineering management. Your collaboration will extend to divisional Project Managers, colleagues in Engineering and Production Divisions, other business support functions, and external suppliers. Ensuring the timely delivery of products and services in line with project plans and performance targets is central to your role.

You'll also engage with colleagues in other Divisions to align customer and self-funded research with Submarine Systems division product development. This includes identifying and road-mapping key enabling technologies and actively contributing to TKMS Atlas UK's standardisation initiative. As the SDA, you'll own the long-term plan for product development and updates.

What You Can Expect:

Successful candidates will embark on projects across the entire product lifecycle, from concept to assessment, demonstration, acceptance, and in-service support. This post offers an excellent career development pathway, catering to both less experienced candidates and seasoned professionals, with ample room for career progression.

Qualifications and Qualities:

Candidates should possess a systems thinking mindset, understanding the broader operational context of customer requirements and user needs. Previous experience in product lifecycles, systems design, system modeling, analysis, requirements management, testing, acceptance, production, or support would be advantageous. Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• 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 modeling and simulation
• Future submarine design concepts and technologies

Familiarity with the UK Submarine Enterprise is not mandatory, and applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged. If you're interested in transitioning to a new industry, we offer support to help you gain domain knowledge. Effective communication skills, experience in technical report writing, and the ability to establish productive working relationships with customers, military staff, and stakeholders are essential.

Why Choose TKMS Atlas UK's

We are renowned for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy and global customers. Our work at the Jurassic Coast in Dorset involves converting data into information, knowledge, and capabilities that challenge the status quo and offer winning advantages on the frontline. We value our people and provide an open, stimulating workspace that empowers creativity and integrity. Despite our growth, we maintain a friendly and welcoming culture.

We offer a competitive benefits package, career development opportunities, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme. Our continuous investment in in-house test and integration facilities supports our growth in supplying submarine and ship systems, including sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation, and mine counter-measures