Lead. Influence. Shape the Future. A rare opportunity has opened for an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to take a senior technical leadership role within a high-performing engineering team delivering advanced Naval Combat System capabilities. This role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of hands-on engineering and strategic leadership. You'll guide a multidisciplinary team of systems, software and network engineers, drive successful program outcomes, and play a key part in shaping the future capability of the group. If you're looking for a role where your technical authority genuinely influences direction, not just delivery, this is it. What You'll Be Doing * Leading a mixed-discipline engineering team, providing guidance, mentorship, and technical oversight * Owning technical delivery across complex defence programmes * Working closely with Project Managers to ensure project milestones, quality and performance targets are met * Remaining hands-on with engineering activities, particularly around system design, integration and problem-solving * Steering the development of tools, methods and engineering processes * Shaping future team structures, capabilities and long-term technical strategy * Acting as a senior point of expertise within the Naval Combat Systems domain What You'll Bring * 10 years of systems engineering experience * Proven experience leading or technically guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams * Strong track record of delivering complex system-of-systems or mission-critical solutions * Ability to influence across engineering, project management and customer stakeholders * A forward-thinking approach to engineering practice, process improvement and team capability growth Why This Role Stands Out * High level of autonomy and influence * Chance to shape both technical direction and team development * Impactful work within a secure, mission-critical environment * Opportunity to work on cutting-edge synthetic, simulation and naval systems Security Requirements * You must be a UK National * Must be eligible for SC clearance (sponsorship available)