Senior Systems Engineer - Defence, PNT, RF Communications & Sensors
Lead the Design of Next‑Generation Defence & Electronic Warfare Solutions
Our client is seeking experienced Systems Engineers to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of advanced defence capabilities, including Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT), RF communications, and sensor systems. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of system designs for cutting‑edge electronics used in Defence and Electronic Warfare (EW) applications.
As a System Design Authority (SDA), you will guide technical decisions across the full engineering lifecycle - from early‑stage research and prototyping to product delivery and in‑service support. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in technically demanding environments, make informed trade‑offs quickly, and communicate confidently with both customers and cross‑functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
Develop an in‑depth understanding of current Electronic Warfare products and future capability roadmaps.
Act as System Design Authority on complex projects, shaping solutions from R&D concept to delivered and supported systems.
Provide systems engineering leadership to multidisciplinary teams delivering:
Science & technology research
Solution and product development
Equipment trials and experimentation
Business development activities and competitive bids
Strengthen customer relationships by providing expert technical guidance throughout delivery.
Provide technical assurance across internal programmes and, when required, on behalf of customers.
Work closely with project management and customers to ensure delivery to time, cost, performance, and quality, while managing technical risks.
Support rapid prototyping for Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs).
Operate flexibly across office, customer locations, shared workspaces, and home-working, with occasional overseas travel.
Essential Skills & Experience
BEng/BSc or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
Strong knowledge of sensor and communication systems.
Proven experience delivering systems engineering activities and leading cross‑functional engineering teams.
Experience working across the full product development lifecycle, from concept through delivery and in‑service support.
Desirable Skills & Experience
Electronic Warfare (EW) Knowledge
Electronic Attack (EA)
Electronic Surveillance (ES)
ECM, ESM, RF Cyber
Middleware and radio bearers
System‑Level Engineering Expertise
Hardware, firmware, and software integration
DSP, FPGAs, algorithmic processing
Software Defined Radios (SDR), RF systems & antennas
Engineering Frameworks & Tools
Familiarity with open standards (STICS, MORA, OpenCPI, SOSA, OpenVPX)
Experience with methodologies such as Waterfall, Agile, SAFe, Spiral
Strong skills in risk identification, mitigation, and RAIDO management
Why Join?
Competitive salary
Flexible benefits package covering:
Health & wellbeing
Savings & protection
Lifestyle and leisure options
Collaborative and inclusive engineering culture with active technical communities and innovation forums
Flexible working arrangements supported
Organisation committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain SC Clearance, requiring British citizenship and 5 years of UK residency