Principal Engineer - Systems

About the role

We are looking for a Principal Engineer – Systems to lead systems engineering activities across complex defence development programmes and integrated mission systems. The role provides technical leadership throughout the systems engineering lifecycle, from requirements capture to operational support.

Key responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering for defence and mission‑system programmes, managing requirements capture, decomposition, allocation and traceability.
• Develop system architecture, manage interfaces, and oversee integration, verification and validation activities.
• Produce technical specifications, interface control documents, integration plans, test procedures and compliance documentation.
• Conduct system analysis, technical trade‑offs, design reviews and risk assessments.
• Provide technical guidance to software, hardware, networking, cybersecurity and test teams.
• Engage with customers, suppliers and programme stakeholders while mentoring engineering teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Telecommunications, Computer, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in defence, aerospace, security or mission‑critical environments.
• Proven track record delivering complex defence or integrated systems programmes.
• Experience with C2, C4ISR, tactical communications, secure networking or distributed mission systems.

Required skills

• Systems Engineering methodologies and lifecycle processes.
• Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Enterprise Architect, JAMA Connect, DOORS or JIRA.
• Technical interface management and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, integration, verification and validation.