Principal Systems Engineer
Posted
Job Description
We are seeking a delivery‑focused Principal Systems Engineer to act as the systems lead on a UK defence programme.
This role is not focused on hands‑on mechanical or electronic design. Instead, it centres on owning requirements, verification, and compliance, and ensuring all engineering outputs align precisely with customer and regulatory expectations.
You will be the person who knows the system inside out and can confidently stand behind it with customers.
This role suits someone who is:
Highly detail‑oriented
Comfortable working independently
Happy spending time reading, checking, and validating documentation
Confident engaging directly with customers in a clear, factual manner
You will work closely with engineering, science, test and production teams, but your focus will be on requirements, verification, and evidence, rather than active design.
Responsibilities will include:
Owning system requirements and ensuring full traceability through verification
Managing and delivering the systems compliance matrix
Compiling and reviewing verification evidence across Technology
Comparing test reports, design documents and certificates against hundreds of requirements
Delivering the systems input into formal design reviews, including Critical Design Reviews
Coordinating systems engineering deliverables and schedules across the programme
Acting as a senior technical contact for the customer, providing clear and honest responses
Managing systems work packages with suppliers and sub‑contractors
Essential experience
Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and verification
Experience working in regulated or safety‑critical environments
Solid understanding of the systems V‑model
Comfortable owning system‑level decisions and deliverables
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance
Defence experience is helpful but not required. Candidates from aerospace, rail, automotive, or other regulated industries are very welcome.
Working pattern
Hybrid working, with typically 2 days per week on site in Hemel Hempstead
Flexible working arrangements considered, including part‑time, for the right candidate
We are seeking a delivery‑focused Principal Systems Engineer to act as the systems lead on a UK defence programme.
This role is not focused on hands‑on mechanical or electronic design. Instead, it centres on owning requirements, verification, and compliance, and ensuring all engineering outputs align precisely with customer and regulatory expectations.
You will be the person who knows the system inside out and can confidently stand behind it with customers.
This role suits someone who is:
Highly detail‑oriented
Comfortable working independently
Happy spending time reading, checking, and validating documentation
Confident engaging directly with customers in a clear, factual manner
You will work closely with engineering, science, test and production teams, but your focus will be on requirements, verification, and evidence, rather than active design.
Responsibilities will include:
Owning system requirements and ensuring full traceability through verification
Managing and delivering the systems compliance matrix
Compiling and reviewing verification evidence across Technology
Comparing test reports, design documents and certificates against hundreds of requirements
Delivering the systems input into formal design reviews, including Critical Design Reviews
Coordinating systems engineering deliverables and schedules across the programme
Acting as a senior technical contact for the customer, providing clear and honest responses
Managing systems work packages with suppliers and sub‑contractors
Essential experience
Strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and verification
Experience working in regulated or safety‑critical environments
Solid understanding of the systems V‑model
Comfortable owning system‑level decisions and deliverables
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance
Defence experience is helpful but not required. Candidates from aerospace, rail, automotive, or other regulated industries are very welcome.
Working pattern
Hybrid working, with typically 2 days per week on site in Hemel Hempstead
Flexible working arrangements considered, including part‑time, for the right candidate
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