A generic CV simply won’t cut it in the competitive world of defence recruitment. If you're targeting a career in systems engineering within the UK defence sector, your CV needs to do more than list qualifications – it must clearly demonstrate your technical expertise, security awareness, and ability to thrive in high-stakes environments.
A well-structured CV tailored to systems engineering can open doors to coveted roles in defence. Here’s how to make sure yours stands out.
Understand What Defence Employers Want
Recruiters and hiring managers in the defence industry are often looking for:
- Proven systems engineering capabilities
- Familiarity with UK defence standards and frameworks
- Security clearance eligibility
- Project experience with complex defence systems
- Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication skills
Aligning your CV with these expectations is essential.
Start with a Clear, Targeted Profile
Your personal profile should be concise, focused, and aligned with systems engineering roles in defence. Mention your:
- Years of relevant experience
- Key technical competencies (e.g. MBSE, DOORS, SysML)
- Defence sector knowledge
- Clearance status (e.g. SC eligible)
Avoid vague or generic statements. Tailor your profile to the role you're applying for.
Highlight Relevant Experience and Projects
In the defence sector, experience speaks volumes. Prioritise:
- Specific projects where you applied systems engineering principles
- Examples of end-to-end lifecycle involvement (from requirements gathering to validation)
- Tools and methodologies you used (e.g. MATLAB, Enterprise Architect)
- Collaborative efforts with cross-functional or multidisciplinary teams
Use bullet points to make this information easy to scan. Where possible, quantify your impact (e.g. "reduced integration issues by 30% through structured interface control").
Emphasise Skills That Matter in Defence
Beyond technical expertise, include:
- Risk analysis and mitigation
- Systems integration and validation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge of defence procurement and compliance processes
- Awareness of current UK defence technologies and challenges
These are all highly valued in systems engineering defence roles.
Keep It Security-Aware
Security is critical in defence. State clearly if you already hold or are eligible for SC or DV clearance. Only include information you are allowed to disclose – do not mention sensitive projects in detail. Use discretion and refer to programmes generically (e.g. "a secure airborne communications project for the UK MoD").
Tailor for Each Application
Generic CVs are easy to spot and even easier to discard. Tailor your CV to each role:
- Mirror the job description's language
- Emphasise matching skills and experience
- Reorder bullet points to reflect the employer's priorities
Small adjustments can make a big difference in catching a recruiter’s attention.
Additional Tips for Success
- Keep your CV to 2 pages max
- Use professional British English spelling and grammar
- Include relevant certifications (e.g. INCOSE, ISO 15288)
- List any defence-specific training or project methodologies
- Don’t forget a short, factual cover letter to support your CV
Final Thought
Crafting a CV for systems engineering roles in UK defence isn’t about cramming in as much detail as possible. It’s about demonstrating the right capabilities, experience, and awareness in a clear, focused format.
A strong CV tailored to the defence sector will significantly improve your chances of securing interviews and advancing your career.
Need more guidance? Visit our Career Advice section for expert tips and support tailored to engineering professionals in the defence industry.