MBSE Transformation Lead
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced MBSE Transformation Lead to drive the transition of complex engineering organisations towards a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the vision, strategy and roadmap for MBSE transformation, working across engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, data management, programme management and wider business functions to embed new processes, principles, tools and ways of working.
This is a strategic and hands-on transformation role, requiring someone who can combine strong engineering and MBSE expertise with business change, stakeholder engagement and delivery capability.
The role will focus not only on the technical implementation of MBSE, but also on the people, processes, governance, skills and cultural change required to make the transformation successful.
Key Responsibilities
MBSE Transformation Strategy
- Develop and implement a clear MBSE transformation vision, strategy and roadmap.
- Define the principles and methodologies required to support adoption of MBSE across engineering organisations.
- Establish how MBSE will impact existing engineering, programme and project management processes.
- Define how model-as-authoritative-source principles can be incorporated into governance and delivery.
- Establish model maturity definitions and determine how these align with development gates and programme milestones.
- Define the skills, capabilities and organisational structures required to support the transition to MBSE.
- Develop appropriate training and development approaches to support MBSE adoption.
Business & Engineering Transformation
- Work with engineering organisations to assess current processes and define the future-state MBSE operating model.
- Support partner organisations in updating processes, management plans, engineering artefacts and ways of working.
- Identify the wider impact of MBSE across engineering, programme management, manufacturing, services and other business functions.
- Develop and support implementation of business change activities required to transition people, processes and tools.
- Start with bounded pilots and develop a scalable approach for wider organisational adoption.
- Identify opportunities to demonstrate the business value and benefits of MBSE transformation.
Stakeholder & Business Engagement
- Build strong relationships across engineering, manufacturing, programme management, systems engineering, data management and other enabling functions.
- Engage with internal and external partner organisations and suppliers to align transformation objectives.
- Establish effective governance, communication and engagement cadences across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Communicate the vision, scope, progress, risks and benefits of the transformation to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions to develop processes, principles and transformation plans.
- Constructively challenge existing approaches while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
Data, Governance & Standards
- Work closely with Data Management and Systems Engineering teams to ensure data architecture and ontology support MBSE requirements.
- Ensure alignment between MBSE transformation and wider systems engineering capability development.
- Support the definition and adoption of appropriate engineering data standards.
- Consider data models, naming conventions, metadata, configuration management and product structures as part of the transformation.
- Ensure appropriate governance, quality and audit requirements are incorporated into MBSE processes.
- Support the adoption of enterprise standards across the transformation.
Delivery & Continuous Improvement
- Establish appropriate systems and processes to control transformation activity and ensure priorities are delivered effectively.
- Develop plans, milestones and measures to track transformation progress.
- Coordinate multiple workstreams and manage dependencies, risks and competing priorities.
- Identify and remove blockers to MBSE adoption.
- Monitor progress and demonstrate the value delivered by the transformation.
- Capture lessons learned from pilot implementations and apply them to subsequent phases.
- Continuously improve MBSE processes, methodologies, training and adoption approaches.
Essential Skills & Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in a similar transformation, engineering or MBSE role, ideally within Defence or Aerospace.
- Proven experience delivering or leading an MBSE transformation.
- Degree-level qualification in Engineering or another relevant technical discipline.
- Strong understanding of MBSE principles, methodologies and implementation approaches.
- First-hand knowledge of relevant technologies and engineering environments within Defence or Aerospace.
- Proven experience delivering complex solutions within challenging, highly regulated or technically complex environments.
- Strong understanding of engineering data, configuration management and product structures.
- Experience working across cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, IT and Quality.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, workstreams and competing priorities.
- Strong understanding of business transformation and organisational change.
- Security clearance or eligibility for security clearance within Defence programmes is mandatory.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within Aerospace, Defence, regulated or safety-critical industries.
- SAFe or similar Agile delivery qualifications, or demonstrable experience working within scaled Agile environments.
- Understanding of Digital Thread and Digital Continuity concepts.
- Experience developing engineering operating models or transformation strategies.
- Experience implementing MBSE across multiple organisations, partners or supply-chain organisations.
- Knowledge of systems engineering capability development and engineering data architectures.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate will be:
- Pragmatic and outcome-focused, with a strong focus on delivering measurable transformation.
- Comfortable operating within ambiguity and evolving environments.
- A confident communicator who can engage effectively with technical and business audiences.
- Able to influence and bring together diverse stakeholder groups.
- Comfortable challenging existing processes constructively.
- Highly collaborative, with the ability to build trust across organisational boundaries.
- Strong in strategic thinking while remaining comfortable working at a detailed operational level.
- Proactive in identifying risks, issues and opportunities.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Able to balance long-term transformation objectives with immediate delivery priorities.
Key Deliverables
Typical deliverables will include:
- MBSE Transformation Vision and Strategy
- MBSE Transformation Roadmap
- MBSE Principles and Methodology
- Future-State Processes and Operating Models
- Governance and Assurance Frameworks
- Model Maturity Framework
- Training and Workforce Development Strategy
- Business Change and Adoption Plans
- Pilot Implementation Plans
- Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
- Transformation Progress Reporting
- Risk, Dependency and Issue Management
- MBSE Standards and Process Documentation
Measures of Success
Success in the role will be demonstrated through:
- Clear adoption of the agreed MBSE vision, strategy and roadmap.
- Successful implementation of MBSE through initial pilots and subsequent organisational expansion.
- Effective alignment between MBSE, systems engineering, data management and wider digital transformation activities.
- Adoption of appropriate governance, processes, standards and ways of working.
- Improved engineering collaboration, data consistency and model maturity.
- Successful engagement and adoption across partner organisations and supply chains.
- Demonstrable business value and measurable benefits from the MBSE transformation.
Reasonable Adjustments:
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.
If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
