Principal Systems Engineer (DEFENCE)
Salary: Up to £60,000
Locations: Bristol, Stevenage or Bolton
Hybrid: Typically 3 - 4 days on-site
British Citizenship required
A major defence engineering organisation is growing its early-stage systems design function and is seeking a Principal-level Systems Engineer to lead concepting and front-end development of future capabilities. The work focuses on the earliest phases of the lifecycle, defining next-generation solutions for UK and partner-nation Armed Forces across air, land and maritime domains.
The Opportunity
You’ll take a senior role in shaping advanced systems at concept level. This includes steering requirements activity, leading trade studies, defining architectures, guiding performance assessments and coordinating specialists across a multi-domain environment. You’ll be central to developing emerging capability concepts and ensuring they translate into robust, feasible system solutions.
You may lead discrete work packages, manage cross-discipline integration, and act as a senior technical point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. There are also opportunities to support people development and mentor engineers progressing through the organisation.
What you’ll be doing
* Leading requirements and use-case analysis
* Directing concept assessment and design trade studies
* Defining system architectures and functional models
* Guiding performance analysis and system behaviour assessment
* Overseeing verification, validation and certification planning
* Applying and championing model-based engineering and MBSE tools
* Managing or coordinating complex engineering activities across stakeholders
What you’ll need
* Strong systems engineering background with experience in early lifecycle phases
* Ability to lead technical decision-making across multiple design domains
* Clear communication and ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently
* Experience delivering work packages or technical leadership
* Background in requirements, trade studies, modelling, analysis or MBSE
What’s on offer
* Company bonus up to £2,500
* Pension up to 14% combined contribution
* Paid overtime opportunities
* Up to 15 days flexi leave
* Enhanced parental leave
* Excellent site facilities including subsidised meals and free parking
* Strong progression, training and long-term development routes
* Possible relocation support
If this opportunity aligns with your skills and career goals, please contact Keelan ASAP or apply via this advert!
*Due to the nature of the industry and the job classification, all candidates are required to have British Citizenship, or dual nationality inclusive of British Citizenship, prior to applying*
We endeavour to respond to every candidate; however, if you have not heard from us within 10 days, please assume that you have been unsuccessful or that the position has been filled. Feel free to call the office or send an email to discuss other potential opportunities