Systems Engineers focus on solving some of the most complex engineering challenges. They do this by collecting and organising all the information needed to understand the whole problem, exploring it from all angles, and then finding the most appropriate solution.
A Systems Engineer might typically work in either the problem definition or solution provider environments, mapping out the requirements for a complex system and defining architectures for different potential solutions, reflecting all influences across the system life cycle; and then testing and accepting the designed solutions.
Skills you will learn on your Degree Apprenticeship in Defence Systems Engineering
- Systems Thinking – Methods and techniques to identify problems and needs, capture and manage requirements, design solutions aided by architectures, support the build process and validate solutions. An understanding of the different types of real world complex systems, including what a system is, its context within its environment and its boundaries and interfaces. An appreciation that systems may have emergent behaviours that cannot be predicted from the behaviour of individual subsystems.
- Holistic Life cycle View – Applying appropriate life cycles and approaches to developing systems, including their interrelated dependencies and benefits. The skills, tasks and engineering products associated with each life cycle phase, from identifying the problems and stakeholder needs, the system requirements through to the operation and ultimately disposal of the system.
- Systems Engineering Management – The ability to manage complex interdependencies between different functions of large enterprises, often involving concurrent life cycle activities and parallel development at multiple levels of abstraction and incorporating diverse specialist disciplines. Awareness of Project & Programme Management, business, financial and commercial context and competencies.
- Domain – Understand the Defence sector, its structure, funding and functions. Understanding of how the military operates. How Systems Engineering is used and an awareness of key transversal skills, for example safety, reliability and human factors.
- Specialisms – Knowledge of particular specialist subjects and domains to meet Employers’ needs, for example in relation to emerging technologies, niche skills gaps (for example software or maritime systems) or in relation to business, financial or commercial skills.
What Qualifications will I have at the end of this Degree Apprenticeship in Systems Engineering?
This Degree Apprenticeship takes you up to Masters Level and apprentices must complete a post graduate diploma in systems engineering. In addition, this apprenticeship will align with the professional registration requirements for Chartered Engineer .
What types of jobs will this Degree Apprenticeship in Defence Systems Engineering qualify me to do?
This apprenticeship aims to create rounded professional Systems Engineers who understand and can practise Systems Engineering. Primarily focussed on the Defence sector, the apprentice will be able to undertake INCOSE1 Practitioner level Systems Engineering roles across Defence projects but also in other sectors, since many of the core skills will be transferable.
Where can I find vacancies?
To search for opportunities, visit our list of Degree Apprenticeships Vacancies.
