About this role
Salary: £63,000 - 103,000 per year
Requirements: We are looking for someone with a systems-thinking mindset who can understand the wider operational context of customer requirements and user needs.Experience in product lifecycles, systems design, system modelling, analysis, requirements management, testing, acceptance, production, or support is advantageous.Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: sonar or 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 modelling and simulation; or future submarine design concepts and technologies.Familiarity with the UK Submarine Enterprise is not mandatory; we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and support those transitioning to a new industry in gaining domain knowledge.We require effective communication skills, experience in technical report writing, and the ability to build productive working relationships with customers, military staff, and stakeholders.The successful candidate must be able to achieve full SC (Security Clearance). Responsibilities: We expect our System Design Authority to collaborate with Product Managers to promote our capabilities and engage with customers and stakeholders to support future business opportunities.The role involves analysing requirements, developing solution concepts, and translating them into high-level architectural designs and system specifications.We will rely on the SDA to work with technical leaders to prepare technical proposals and support Bid Managers in responding to invitations to tender and requests for quotations.For allocated projects, the SDA will manage technical aspects and oversee systems engineering management.The SDA will collaborate with Project Managers, Engineering and Production colleagues, business support functions, and external suppliers to support timely delivery in line with project plans and performance targets.The role includes aligning customer and self-funded research with product development, identifying and road-mapping enabling technologies, and contributing to our standardisation initiative.The SDA will own the long-term plan for product development and updates.We expect the SDA to provide technical leadership and systems engineering across development, customer acceptance, deployment, support, and adaptation throughout the systems operational lives. Technologies: SupportSecuritySonarExcelLESS More:
We are TKMS Atlas UK, a global maritime technology company headquartered in Winfrith, Dorset, working with the UK Royal Navy and international clients. We develop, supply, and support underwater and maritime systems, including sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation, and mine counter-measures. This System Design Authority role is within our Submarine Systems division and covers the product lifecycle from concept through assessment, demonstration, acceptance, and in-service support. The position is based in Dorchester, Dorset, with a stated salary of £65,000–£80,000 per year. We offer career development and training, progression and personal development opportunities, competitive remuneration, flexible working, a generous pension scheme, 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days after five years and 30 days after ten years), dental cover, and an Employee Assistance Programme. We welcome applications for part-time, condensed-hours, and full-time arrangements. Our open, stimulating and friendly workplace is supported by in-house test and integration facilities, including waterside facilities at Portland Harbour.
last updated 40 week of 2026