Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems

Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems page is loaded## Head of Discipline – Propulsion Systems remote type:
Hybrid locations:
Oxford time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 2 Days Agotime left to apply:
End Date:
February 27, 2026 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition :
R0312181

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you;

whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.
*
* Job Purpose:

** Lead and develop the Propulsion Systems Engineering department by setting strategic direction, driving innovation, and managing resources to deliver high-quality engineering solutions that support the company’s projects, bids, objectives and growth.
*
* Key Responsibilities:

*** Define and execute the strategic vision for the propulsion systems engineering team
* Lead recruitment, define and optimise the team structure, and manage training and performance to build a highly effective engineering department
* Headcount including forecasting and ensuring adequate resourcing for projects, bids, and technical studies
* Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
* Collaborate with internal departments, suppliers, and customers to ensure alignment and support business development efforts
* Prepare and review project and bid estimates, to support delivery and business growth
* Define and monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to achieve targets
* Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
** Required Behaviours:**
* ** Think Big:**  + Demonstrate strategic vision and anticipate future trends and challenges in propulsion systems engineering  + Challenge the status quo and look for continually develop the teams skills and capabilities
* ** Make It Happen:**  + Take ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality results on time and within budget  + Exhibit resilience and decisiveness to overcome obstacles and ensure project success  + Drive execution with a strong bias for action and continuous improvement
* ** Together:**  + Foster collaboration across geographically separated teams, partners, and customers  + Encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and respect for diverse perspectives  + Develop and empower team members through mentoring, skills development, and succession planning.
** Qualifications and

Experience:

*** Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant Engineering discipline e.g. Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or Physics
* Extensive experience in a comparable systems engineering role
* Strong systems engineering expertise with the ability to oversee complex propulsion systems development from concept design and integration to testing and validation
* Proven track record in resource planning, delivery and execution
* Deep understanding of the space environment, requirements and space standards
** Key

Competencies:

*** Strategic thinking and problem-solving
* Leadership, team and skills development
* Effective communication
* Competitiveness and customer focused mindset
** Performance…