BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American TobaccoUK has an exciting opportunity for a System Engineering Manager in Southampton.
This role is responsible for defining and leading the electronic system architecture for next‑generation non‑combustible cigarette products. Acting at system level, it translates functional requirements into robust technical solutions, drives cross‑disciplinary integration (electronics, firmware, battery, sensors, heaters, mechanics), and delivers scalable architectures that enable innovation, performance, and reliable product delivery across current and future propositions.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Functional Requirements for H2/H3 propositions and translate them into actionable Technical Requirements.
- Define and maintain the Electronic System Architecture, ensuring compliance with product and regulatory standards.
- Plan and lead all aspects of Tech Block projects, ensuring each block meets its technical objectives and integrates seamlessly.
- Run system integration activities, validating performance across all subsystems (EE, firmware, battery, heaters, sensors, mechanical).
- Provide technical leadership to two direct reports and mentor multi-functional teams.
- Collaborate with programme managers, product teams, and external partners to align architecture with business goals.
- Ensure risk management, quality assurance, and alignment to timelines throughout the development lifecycle.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps for Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 initiatives.
What are we looking for?
- Confirmed experience in embedded electronic system design and system architecture, including microcontrollers, sensors, power management, and firmware–hardware interaction.
- Strong expertise in sensing technologies and heater develop/control, with a track record of delivering design wins and new concepts through Technology Blocks.
- Experience adapting and integrating firmware in line with established platforms, combined with knowledge of battery management systems, heater drivers, and sensor control mechanisms.
- System-level thinking with the ability to translate functional requirements into technical solutions, handle requirement traceability, and address mechanical–electrical integration challenges.
- Leadership and delivery capability in multi-functional environments, including stakeholder management, risk assessment, project planning, and alignment with architecture, functional safety, and compliance frameworks (H1/H2/H3 awareness desirable).
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electronic Engineering or Physics (related fields required), or an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience or higher in Technology Management is desirable.
Beneficial
- Exposure to agile development methodologies, rapid prototyping, and hardware validation processes, including collaboration with external suppliers.
- Strong systems-thinking capability, with familiarity in regulatory standards for consumer electronics and end-to-end requirement traceability across subject areas.
What we offer you?
- We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
- Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
- Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
- You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
- We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.