Principal Engineer – Systems Engineering (Aerospace)

Element Materials Technology
united kingdom, united kingdom
9 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Platform Engineer

Principal Electronic Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electronics Engineer M/F

Principal Material and Process Engineer, Composites

Radar FPGA Design Engineer

Principal Engineer – Systems Engineering

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, and consultancy support to clients across many industries – including Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Built Environment and Chemical Process – in the UK and internationally. As a part of our team, you will play a central role in providing our clients with design support and verification services, operational troubleshooting, and technical safety assessments.

We are looking to recruit a Principal Systems Engineer to lead work on a range of projects across several different industries (aero, defence, energy and others) and to support the growth of our in-house capability. This position will involve plenty of hands-on work coupled with the coaching and development of more junior team members. This position can be based at either our Derby, Bristol or Wimborne offices.

Responsibilities

  • Leadership, coordination and support of Systems Engineering activities on a range of projects, including:
  1. Definition of the Systems Engineering approach and strategy to be followed on a given programme
  2. Requirements definition and management at system, sub-system, and equipment levels. Development and improvement of requirement specifications with cross-functional teams
  3. Development of system architectures, concepts and solutions, including the application of a range of tools and techniques including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  4. Development of systems engineering artifacts and activities (e.g., project plans, analysis, reports, etc)
  5. Drafting of equipment specifications (e.g. pumps, valves, sensors, etc)
  6. Checking and approval of a range of technical documents
  • Development of system certification plans and oversight of the associated activities. Generation of system verification documentation, including design verification Plans and requirement verification modules
  • Leading engagement with Customers both as a Technical Expert and to develop/enhance customer relationships through collaboration with and reporting to Customer representatives.To include the tailoring and application of engineering initiatives, best practices, and quality processes; and contributing to Continuous Improvement
  • Management and resolution of problems/queries that arise from development and qualification activity


We are looking for people who have:

  • A Bachelors or Masters degree, or PhD, or in a relevant engineering, science or applied mathematics discipline.
  • A good understanding of, and extensive experience in, the application of Systems Engineering principles and practices (e.g. requirements management, functional analysis, concept generation, system design).
  • Hands-on experience across the system design lifecycle, preferably within aerospace. Experience in systems integration (mechanical/electrical/software) would be beneficial
  • Good knowledge and experience of Aerospace certification standards (e.g. FAA, EASA, Parts 25 and 33) and processes (e.g. ARP 4754)
  • Experience in the application of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches and tools would be an advantage.
  • Experience in the use of requirements management tools such as Jama Connect, IBM DOORS or similar.
  • Have excellent project management and verbal/written communication skills
  • Ideally be a Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) or actively working towards chartership status
  • Enjoy client and colleague interaction, takes responsibility for delivery, and wants the opportunity to work within a growing and dynamic engineering team.


Why work for Element Digital Engineering?

Our highest priority is to run a business in which individuals take responsibility for delivering high quality services to our customers while enjoying what they do. We offer competitive compensation, reward and a dynamic and flexible working environment that help support this aim.

We are strong supporters of flexible working and will consider a range of working patterns for this role. Please note that on-site attendance at one of our offices (Derby / Bristol / Wimborne) will be required for at least one day per week.

It is an exciting time to join our team so if the thought of taking the initiative, developing yourself and embracing new challenges sounds exciting, we would like to hear from you.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Neurodiversity in UK Space Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

The UK space sector has quietly become one of the most exciting places to build a career. From small satellites & launch services to Earth observation, navigation, in-orbit servicing & space data startups, the industry needs people who can solve hard problems in smart ways. Those people are not all “typical” engineers or scientists – and that’s a strength, not a weakness. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too disorganised” for precision work in the space sector. In reality, many of the traits that made school or previous jobs difficult can be major assets in space engineering, mission operations & space data roles. This guide is written for neurodivergent job seekers exploring UK space careers. We’ll look at: What neurodiversity means in a space industry context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map to common space roles Practical workplace adjustments you can request under UK law How to talk about neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in the UK space sector – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine superpower.

Space Sector Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche curiosity. It is now a strategic industry worth billions, employing tens of thousands of people across nearly 2,000 organisations – and it has been growing faster than the wider UK economy for years. At the same time, employers report serious skills shortages, especially in software, data and systems engineering, with recruitment and retention now cited as key barriers to growth. For job seekers, this is encouraging – but it does not mean every space application is an easy win. For recruiters, competing for talent with tech, defence, energy and finance is only getting harder. This article, written for www.ukspacejobs.co.uk , explores the space sector hiring trends to watch in 2026, aimed at both: Job seekers searching for terms like “space jobs in the UK”, “satellite jobs UK”, or “space engineer roles”; and Recruiters and hiring managers interested in “space sector hiring trends” and “space recruitment UK”.

Space Industry Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK space‑sector hiring has shifted from pedigree‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation across the full stack—spacecraft systems, payload/RF, flight software, GNC/ADCS, propulsion, structures/thermal, AIT (assembly–integration–test), mission/ground operations, reliability/radiation, and compliance (ECSS, export control). Employers want proof you can build, test, operate and scale space systems safely and economically. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for satellite/spacecraft engineers, payload & RF/MM‑wave, flight & ground software, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal, AIT/test, mission ops, data/EO, and space product/TPM roles. Who this is for: Systems engineers, payload/RF engineers, flight software & FDIR, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal/structures, propulsion, AIT/test, reliability/radiation, QA/compliance, ground segment/cloud, mission operations, EO/data processing, and product/programme managers targeting roles in the UK space ecosystem.