Field Service Engineer – Defence

Field Service Engineer – Defence
Location: Horsham or Plymouth
Sector: Defence and security technology
Salary: £40-44,000 Plus Excellent Benefits/ Overtime
Regular overseas travel required, sometimes on short notice.

The purpose of this Field Service Engineer (FSE) role is to provide global field support to customers by ensuring the reliable operation of hardware and software systems, including fire control, electro-optical surveillance, and land/vehicle-based monitoring systems. The role involves installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimisation of complex systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out offsite repairs to systems and equipment 
• Produce detailed post-visit reports with clear analysis and recommendations 
• Install and commission new systems at customer sites 
• Provide aftersales support, servicing, and technical assistance 
• Conduct strip-down, inspection, repair, and testing of returned equipment 
• Support sales activities, including demonstrations and customer trials 
• Prepare and maintain demo and trial equipment
• Test and evaluate new technologies (e.g. sensors and cameras) alongside engineering and sales teams 
• Prepare risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) for installation and commissioning 
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and customer-related activities where required 
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within customer support functions

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience maintaining and repairing complex electro-optical or similar systems within military or comparable civilian environments 

• Strong electronics knowledge, including microcontrollers and basic control theory (e.g. servo tuning) 

• Understanding of radar, optics, and communications systems 

• Proven fault-finding and diagnostic capability on electronic systems 

• Solid mechanical and electro-mechanical skills 

• Proficiency across electrical, mechanical, PC architecture, and software troubleshooting (including updates and configuration) 
• Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills, with commercial awareness 

• Comfortable working in challenging environments (land/sea, heights, heavy equipment) 

• Willingness to travel internationally at short notice and work extended hours where required 

Desirable:

• Full, clean driving licence (C1 advantageous) 

• Knowledge of IT architecture 

• Familiarity with military equipment and procedures 

• Experience delivering customer training (maintenance and operations) 

• Previous eligibility for UK Security Clearance

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work to tight deadlines 

• Able to work independently and take initiative 

• Flexible, diligent, and conscientious approach 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

• Resilient and adaptable mindset 

• Commitment to continuous professional development

Work-Life Balance:

• 37.5-hour working week 

• Early finish on Fridays 

• 28 days annual leave plus Christmas closure 

• Holiday purchase scheme

Benefits:

• Pension with matched contributions up to 5% 

• Income protection 

• Employee Assistance Programme (including GP access, mental health support, physio, and second opinions) 

• Life assurance and bereavement support 

• Share incentive and savings schemes 

• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme 

• Wellbeing initiatives and employee engagement activities 

• Gym membership discounts 

• Employee rewards and discount platform 

• Referral bonus scheme 

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

• Free onsite parking

Security Clearance:

This role requires eligibility for UK Security Clearance. Successful candidates must provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and typically demonstrate a minimum of five years’ UK residency.