Job Description

Matchtech advert (no end-client named) - Hardware Team Leader (Contract)

Location: Rochester (5 days onsite)

Contract length: 12 months

Rate: £65.00/hr PAYE or £87.83/hr Umbrella

Clearance: BPSS + SC in progress (or eligible)

The role

We're recruiting for a Hardware Team Leader to join a leading organisation in the Defence & Security sector. You'll lead a team of experienced hardware engineers supporting production programmes across safety‑critical products such as Helmet Mounted & Head-Up Displays, Mission Computers, Flight Controls, Active Inceptors, and associated technologies.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you'll provide both technical direction and people leadership, ensuring delivery against programme demand, governance, and performance targets.

Key responsibilities

Lead and manage an electronics/hardware engineering team (technical + people leadership)

Own work packages: cost, schedule, risk and opportunities

Ensure the engineering team meets production programme demand and priorities

Provide technical governance and drive adherence to internal engineering processes

Lead cost vs performance trade-offs and continuous improvement activity

Drive failure reduction and improvements in reliability (incl. MDBF focus)

Essential experience / skills

Proven leadership of engineering teams across a full product development lifecycle

Strong understanding of product design and work package control

Experience with cost and planning management tools

Track record of optimising solutions and managing dependencies effectively

Continuous improvement mindset (working practices, capability development)

Root-cause approach to improving performance and reducing failures / increasing MDBF

Experience supporting production programmes in a structured engineering environment

Desirable

PLD / FPGA design experience

Requirements tools (e.g. DOORS)

Work package / project tools (e.g. MSP, JIRA)

What we're looking for

Confident communicator who can lead technical discussions with stakeholders and customers

Able to coach, guide and get the best from a mixed-discipline team

Comfortable presenting at senior/customer reviews

Collaborative approach across engineering disciplines

Apply

If you're an experienced Hardware Team Leader looking for a long-term onsite contract in a safety-critical, high-assurance environment, apply today