Job Description: Project Chief Engineer – Defence Digital Position Title : Project Chief Engineer Departmen t: Mastek/Defence Digital Location: Bristol, Andover and Remote Employment Type: [Full-time/Contract] Role Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Chief Engineer to lead the engineering aspects for a mission-critical Defence Digital programme delivering critical digital capability into the deployed environment. A digital transformation programme which will transform how the Army undertakes data-led decision making in the Land environment to gain operational advantage. You will be joining an established client-side team leading all aspects of the programme including providing technical assurance of a supplier’s delivery.The ideal candidate will combine expertise in advanced technology solutions with a deep understanding of deployed Defence capability and the constraints of this environment. The successful candidate will be used to providing engineering governance on solutions ensuring the successful delivery of secure, scalable, and innovative digital capabilities. Key Responsibilities Provide technical leadership and oversight across engineering disciplines being delivered by another supplier. Define, develop, and oversee the engineering strategy and standards for the programme. Work closely with the programme integration office Chief Architect and Engineer to create and align standards and governance structures for the ISTAR portfolio and the programme. Lead the design, oversee the integration, and testing of programmes solution, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Ensure alignment and integration with Defence Digital Service Executives and Army engineering and wider deployed capabilities. Ensure all engineering designs meet operational, technical, and regulatory requirements. Act as the primary technical interface between the supplier and internal Defence Digital and Army teams, senior stakeholders, and external partners. Own the software factory roadmap and development requirements for current and future contracts, and integration into other DD/Service Executive capabilities. Collaborate with different stakeholder groups across Defence Digital and the Army, architects, project managers, and technical teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery of the solution. Develop governance structures and ensure all engineering activities comply with programme and Defence engineering standards, including safety, security, and quality requirements. Oversee the documentation of engineering processes, designs, and outcomes for audit and review purposes. Manage Risk by identifying and mitigating engineering risks, ensuring the resilience and reliability of deployed systems. Ensure robust contingency plans are in place for technology solution. Support the development of current and future requirements for the capability through existing and future contracts. Support the production of outline and full business cases through contribution and architectural artefacts Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance project outcomes. Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the supplier engineering teams. Ability to travel to customer sites 1-2 days per week Experience Extensive experience in engineering leadership roles within Defence, Aerospace, or similarly complex environments. Proven track record of delivering large-scale, mission-critical systems in secure environments. Familiarity with defence-specific standards and frameworks, such as DEF STAN, MIL-STD, or NATO standards. Deep understanding of Defence deployed technologies, including secure communications, data analytics, mission-critical applications and integrations Proficiency in cloud architectures, cybersecurity, software development methodologies, and system integration. Understanding of on-premise and deployable technologies. Deep knowledge of systems engineering, software development, hardware integration, and testing methodologies. Strong knowledge of systems engineering, software development, hardware integration, and testing. Understanding of ISR or ISTAR capabilities advantageous Proficiency in engineering tools and technologies relevant to Defence Digital projects. Understanding of integrated sensor architecture (ISA) advantageous Understanding of MongoDB, VMWare technologies, APIs, KAFKA, and Systematic applications desirable Understand of ILS and Defence support models advantageous Qualifications Educated to degree or equivalent standard. Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF, SABSA, CISSP) is desirable. Mastek is an active supporter of recruiting former service personnel although this is not mandatory for this role. Key Competencies Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Ability to challenge the status quo Ability to operate under pressure and meet tight deadlines.