We are delighted to be working in partnership with ESCO Maritime Solutions on an exclusive retained assignment for a key role within their defence engineering team.

ESCO Maritime Solutions is the trusted partner of choice for naval signature management systems, advanced power control and conversion technologies, and specialist components for aerospace and defence platforms. Their reputation as a global leader in mission-critical solutions has been built on innovation, engineering excellence, and decades of trusted collaboration with the UK Royal Navy, US Navy, and allied navies worldwide.

As part of this assignment, the search is being led by our Head of Commercial and Client Relations, David Mills, who brings extensive experience in defence and engineering recruitment. With a proven track record of delivering senior-level and specialist appointments across highly regulated industries, David ensures that the process is thorough, discreet, and tailored to attract the very best talent for this prestigious role.

About ESCO Maritime Solutions

• Renowned provider of high-integrity, mission-critical power solutions

• Global leader in magnetic signature management systems and services

• Proven technologies installed across UK Royal Navy, US Navy, and allied fleets

• Expertise spanning the full project lifecycle: design, development, and ship construction

• Delivering tactical and operational advantage to international defence programmes

About the Role

The Head of Test & Integration will be accountable for shaping and leading the test and integration strategy across the entire ESCO Maritime Solutions (UK) business, ensuring that every programme and product test is delivered to the highest standards of performance, safety, and compliance.

This senior role will also oversee and ongoing support of the new Test & Integration facility, a flagship capability that will set a benchmark for excellence across ESCO Maritime Solutions.

The successful candidate will drive a transformation in standards, processes, and culture, creating a high-performing test function that delivers quality, reliability, and confidence to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• • Define and own the organisation’s test and integration strategy across all programmes and products within the UK.
  • Lead the setup, commissioning, and operation of the new Test & Integration facility.
  • Develop and implement the equipment strategy to ensure scalable, future-proof test capability.
  • Build, inspire, and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team across sites.
  • Standardise processes, tools, and reporting to improve efficiency, traceability, and quality.
  • Act as the technical authority for test and integration and principal interface for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure all testing and integration activities are delivered to schedule, cost, and quality targets.
  • Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence.

   

  Qualifications / skills required

  Essential:

  • Proven leadership experience in test and integration within complex engineering or technology-driven environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to set and deliver strategy across multiple programmes.
  • Experience establishing and managing test facilities, including infrastructure and equipment strategy.
  • Strong technical knowledge of system-level test, verification & validation, and integration methodologies.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all organisational levels.
  • Experience in regulated sectors such as defence, aerospace, or maritime preferred.

  Desirable:

  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional status.
  • Experience with the defence industry, and specifically marine.
  • Exposure to safety-critical or mission-critical systems.
  • Knowledge of UK MOD regulatory environment.

   

  Leadership Expectations

  • Operates as a senior technical leader.
  • Influences across functional and programme boundaries.
  • Drives long-term capability over short-term programme pressure.
  • Balances governance with agility.
  • Demonstrates high professional integrity and accountability.

   

  Additional Information

  • This role will be based in Rugeley; however, occasional travel to other ESCO sites may be required on an infrequent basis (approximately 1-2 times per year).
  • The nature of this role requires a regular on-site presence, with the flexibility to work from home when required. 
  • On occasion, it may be necessary to support unplanned test activities outside normal working hours. Such requirements are expected to be rare and infrequent.

   

  Note: All candidates must meet the security vetting requirements relevant to the role. For reasons of national security, applicants must be British nationals. Dual nationals may be permitted in exceptional circumstances. 

This is a rare and exclusive retained search opportunity for an accomplished professional to make a significant impact within a world-class defence engineering organisation.

If you believe you have the expertise and leadership qualities to succeed in this role, please get in touch directly for a confidential discussion:

📞 Call: 07304 033477 
📧 Email: Davidmills@coretalent.co.uk