Project Design Authority

At Morgan Philips Outsourcing, we are currently seeking for one of our clients, Thales Sistemas, the Spanish leader in Defence & Security solutions.
Thales supports governments, armed forces and international organisations in achieving security, tactical superiority and strategic independence, even in the most unpredictable environments. In Spain, Thales Sistemas is specialised in Command & Control systems, Tactical Communications, Radio Navigation Aids and Modelling & Simulation, covering the full product lifecycle from design to in‑service support.
Based in Leganés, Thales Sistemas employs a highly specialised workforce of engineers delivering advanced tactical Land CIS solutions for national and international customers.

Job Objective

As Project Design Authority, you will lead the definition, system architecture, requirements engineering and IVVQ activities of complex Defence & Security systems, ensuring full alignment with customer needs, operational constraints and programme commitments.
You will be involved in European Defence Fund (EDF) programmes (2021–2027) such as NOMAD and SENTINEL, as well as projects for regular national (Ministerio de Defensa) and international customers.
What will you do?
As a Project Design Authority within Thales, you will be responsible for:
 
System analysis, definition & requirements engineering

• Analyse and understand complex systems with strong focus on system integration.
• Capture operational needs, constraints and use cases from customers and stakeholders.
• Translate operational needs into functional and non‑functional system requirements.
• Specify, structure and maintain the requirements baseline ensuring full traceability.
• Define and manage requirements throughout the system lifecycle.
• Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation.
 
System architecture & solution design

• Design and build system architectures that fulfil user needs and contractual requirements.
• Define system interactions, interfaces, constraints and architectural trade‑offs.
• Prioritise architectural choices and schedule design decisions according to project constraints.
• Ensure system performance, robustness, cybersecurity and compliance with standards.
• Apply modelling techniques using UML or similar methods.
 
Project coordination & stakeholder interaction

• Maintain continuous interaction with customers, internal stakeholders and development teams.
• Coordinate engineering activities across multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Estimate effort, schedule and costs associated with technical deliveries.
• Monitor and report project progress, risks and technical deviations.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, demos and training sessions.
 
Integration, Verification, Validation & Qualification (IVVQ)

• Participate in system integration activities.
• Support and participate in verification, validation and acceptance tests.
• Ensure compliance with requirements, architecture and configuration management.
• Provide technical explanations and guidance on adopted solutions.
 
Documentation & technical support

• Produce and review system documentation, architecture descriptions and technical reports.
• Support internal and external technical reviews.
• Ensure alignment with engineering processes and quality standards.
 
Technical skills & experience – mandatory

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Telecommunications, Aeronautical/Space Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent).
• 5–8 years of experience in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering and/or IVVQ activities.
• Strong understanding of system engineering processes (requirements, architecture, design, traceability).
• Experience with engineering and management tools such as DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Polarion, TFS, JIRA.
• Proven system modelling skills (UML, Enterprise Architect or similar).
• Experience working in Agile (SCRUM), Lean Engineering and DevOps environments.
• Knowledge of performance management, system robustness and cybersecurity concepts.
• Solid understanding of software design, cloud technologies, virtualisation and containerisation.
• Ability to understand energy management concepts, electrical grid designs and performance indicators of electrical sources and sinks.
• Proven experience in leading engineering activities or technical work packages.
• Excellent collaboration skills in international and multicultural environments.
• Fluent English and Spanish.
 
Soft skills

• Analytical, structured and methodical approach.
• Strong synthesis and problem‑solving skills.
• Open‑minded, curious and proactive attitude towards innovation.
• Rigorous, logical and detail‑oriented.
• Adaptable and able to react effectively to change.
• Recognised team player with a “helicopter view” of the organisation.
 
Preferred / Nice to have

• Knowledge of C4ISR systems and NATO standards (FMN, NAF, STANAGs).
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, DoDAF).
• Experience with geospatial information systems, databases and communication systems.
• Previous experience in Defence & Security or military systems projects.
 
Additional information

• Availability to travel within Europe (approximately 8 weeks per year).
• You must have (or be able to obtain) Personal Security Clearance to work on EU, NATO and/or national defence projects.