Trials Support Lead - Military Land Systems

Location: Abbey Wood (Bristol) / Hybrid working

Rate: Up to £570 per day

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Contract: 7 December 2026 to 31 March 2027, with possible extension

Working Pattern: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Closing Date: 20 November 2026 at 10:00

Security Clearance: Current SC clearance required

Overview

Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking an experienced Trials Support Lead to provide specialist engineering and technical assurance support to the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.

The role will support the delivery of the next-generation RCH155 self-propelled howitzer capability, providing technical oversight and assurance across engineering deliverables, system safety, design compliance, trials, verification and validation activities.

Team Context

The Mobile Fires Platform programme is a major British Army capability project, delivered by the Combat Vehicles 1 Project Team. It is focused on introducing the RCH155 self-propelled howitzer to replace the former AS90 capability, including early demonstrator trials and subsequent production.

The successful candidate will provide specialist technical support across the programme's contracts, contributing to trials and testing, engineering assurance and the delivery of operational capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure technical deliverables and documentation received from contractors are reviewed in accordance with contractual schedules, assessing compliance with MOD policy and system requirements and making technical recommendations on their suitability.
• Authorise technical data inputs and changes to maintain accurate, mature engineering documentation and technical publications supporting trials activities.
• Identify and analyse technical hazards and project impacts, contributing to risk reduction measures and ensuring technical and safety risks are appropriately documented and managed, including inputs to risk registers, safety cases and hazard logs.
• Ensure MFP system designs meet customer requirements within realistic constraints of time, cost and performance, producing design compliance statements and identifying deficiencies and associated technical risks.
• Manage system testing, verification, validation and evaluation processes, including the development of trials plans, trials management plans and verification and validation documentation.
• Support multidisciplinary technical assurance activities, providing technical information and evidence to support assurance requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) qualification at RQF Level 4 or equivalent.
• Wide-ranging depth and breadth of experience providing technical advice and delivering successful engineering outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes.
• Professional registration with a relevant professional body or institution, such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Registered Scientist (RSci), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP), Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng), Registered Marine Scientist (RMarSci), Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech), Advanced Data Science Professional or Advanced Registered IT Technician (Adv RITTech).
• Strong understanding of engineering management principles, technical requirements, design compliance, risk management and assurance within complex engineering environments.
• Ability to apply sound engineering judgement across multiple technical disciplines and contribute to successful system integration.
• Ability to support budget management activities, including reviewing and authorising business cases, and potentially acting as a budget holder.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge or experience of military land vehicles and associated systems.

Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to interpret and apply relevant technical legislation, regulations, standards, policies and processes.
• Ability to analyse technical information, identify issues and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, including resolving conflicting requirements and priorities.
• Ability to make timely decisions, prioritise activities and manage technical and regulatory risks.
• Strong organisational skills, including planning work and coordinating activities to meet delivery requirements.
• Ability to support others in applying appropriate technical processes and problem-solving approaches.

Additional Information

• UK nationals only.
• Current SC clearance is essential and must be maintained throughout the assignment.
• Hybrid working, with approximately 1–2 days per week at Abbey Wood or another agreed location.
• Travel may be required within the UK and EU.
• Travel to and from the base location is included within the day rate.