Senior Systems Engineer

Our client is an early-stage aerospace and defence organisation. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in taking a defined concept through detailed design, development and testing, using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to create a coherent, traceable and integrated flight vehicle.

This permanent opportunity offers significant technical influence within a small, senior engineering team. You will work closely with technical leadership, specialist engineering disciplines, suppliers and external stakeholders, taking ownership of key system-level decisions throughout a multi-year development programme.

Key Responsibilities:

Translating the concept of operations into structured, traceable system requirements using Model Based Systems Engineering principles

Owning the vehicle architecture, system definition and subsystem interface specification

Leading system-level trade studies, balancing performance, mass, cost, reliability, manufacturability and schedule

Maintaining system budgets covering mass, power, cost and reliability throughout the design cycle

Defining the verification and validation strategy, including the evidence required and the appropriate stage and method of verification

Integrating aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, guidance, navigation and control, avionics and other specialist disciplines into a coherent system

Managing technical interfaces with bought-in subsystems and suppliers, including propulsion, seekers and actuation systems

Supporting demonstrator definition, flight testing, range trials, test facilities and technical engagement with customers, partners and universities

Job Requirements:

Degree or higher qualification in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline

Significant systems engineering experience gained on complex air vehicles, guided weapon systems, missiles, UAVs or comparable safety- and performance-critical products

Strong practical knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering, requirements management, architecture development and traceability

Demonstrable ownership of whole-product requirements, system architecture and interface definition

Experience leading system-level trade studies and managing technical budgets through a design and development cycle

Working knowledge across at least two areas including aerodynamics and performance, propulsion integration, guidance, navigation and control, structures or avionics

Experience taking a product from concept through to hardware development and testing

Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively from first principles

Desirable Experience:

Background on a missile, guided weapon or UAV programme

Understanding of guidance, navigation and control, including control authority, actuation and centre-of-gravity considerations

Experience with design for manufacture, unit cost management and production-focused engineering decisions

Knowledge of flight testing, range trials or associated safety case activities

Exposure to MOD or allied defence procurement, Technology Readiness Levels and defence documentation standards

Experience working in a defence, government or early-stage technology environment

Additional Requirements:

Right to work in the UK

Eligibility to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance; current clearance is not essential

High standards of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive defence-related work

A pragmatic approach to balancing technical performance, cost, manufacturability and schedule

Benefits:

Opportunity to influence the development of an advanced aerospace and defence product from an early stage

Significant autonomy and direct responsibility for technical outcomes

Close collaboration with technical leadership within a highly experienced engineering team

Long-term involvement in a fully funded, multi-year development programme

Potential equity participation and a comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity to shape engineering processes and culture within a growing organisation

If you are an experienced Systems Engineer with expertise in Model Based Systems Engineering and a passion for developing advanced defence technologies, our client would be pleased to hear from you. Apply now to take a leading role in the design, integration and testing of a complete flight vehicle