Principal Systems Engineer (Defence)

TL;DR

Principal Systems Engineer (Defence): Leading the definition and development of complex defence systems from the early stages of the product lifecycle with an accent on system-level solutions and technical leadership. Focus on defining requirements, conducting technical trade studies, and guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Location: Hybrid (3 days per week on-site) in Stevenage or Bristol, UK. Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC security clearance.

Salary: GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000 yearly

Company

Global engineering and technology consultancy partnering with industry leaders in aeronautics, aerospace, defence, automotive, and energy sectors.

What you will do

• Lead systems engineering activities across concept and early lifecycle development.
• Define system solutions, requirements, and conduct technical trade studies.
• Provide technical leadership, support systems-level analysis and decision-making.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand and define evolving operational requirements.
• Guide and mentor engineers within the wider systems team.
• Support design reviews and programme-level engineering activities.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience leading systems engineering activities across complex engineering programmes.
• Strong expertise in requirements development, management, and traceability throughout the system lifecycle.
• Experience supporting early-stage concept definition and solution development.
• Proven technical leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and make informed system-level decisions.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or equivalent technical military background.

Nice to have

• Experience working on defence or weapon system development programmes.
• Familiarity with IBM Rhapsody or comparable systems engineering tools.
• Experience supporting concept assessment and feasibility studies.
• Exposure to systems architecture and solution definition activities.

Culture & Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance, Life insurance, and Pension Scheme.
• Cycle & Tech Scheme and Employee assistance programme.
• Personalised career path with ongoing learning and mentoring.
• Social atmosphere with regular gatherings and team-building events.
• Flexible way of working depending on the role.