Principal Systems Engineer

Overview

Principal Systems Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and implementing state-of-the-art systems for the Nuclear Defence and Space Industry. Responsibilities include understanding military and European/UK Space Agency requirements, defining system specifications, and developing system architectures. The role requires experience with the lifecycle of defence/space system development from concept through testing, deployment, and maintenance, with strong engineering principles applied in a nuclear environment to meet defence-related project needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop defence and space system architectures, including developing requirements using a systems engineering approach
• Act as Engineering Manager across the full delivery lifecycle (requirements to operational handover) on complex nuclear/space projects
• Manage engineering solutions with values ranging from £0.5M to £200M+ client-based CAPEX
• Conduct system-level analysis to ensure defence systems meet performance, reliability, and safety standards
• Test and evaluate defence and/or system functionality under various operational conditions
• Identify and resolve system defects, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies
• Collaborate with other engineers, technicians and clients to integrate and optimise system components
• Provide technical documentation for system designs, test results, and operational procedures
• Stay current with advancements in defence and space technology and applicable engineering standards
• Ensure nuclear defence and space systems comply with relevant governmental and in-country regulations
• Conduct training sessions for system users and operators as needed
• Support procurement of materials and components for system development and maintenance
• Manage system requirements and derived requirements to ensure production systems are compatible with defined architecture
• Guide system development and implementation planning through system engineering management plans and system integration and test plans
• Interact with Government/Associated agencies on Systems Engineering considerations and related issues
• Convert customer or product requirements into total system solutions considering technical, schedule, and cost constraints

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of proven experience as Engineering Manager, Systems Engineer, or similar in a highly regulated nuclear environment
• Experience in Nuclear/Defence System Design and standards
• Strong knowledge of engineering delivery, system modeling, simulations, and risk analysis
• Experience in system verification, validation, and testing
• Ability to understand and analyse complex technical requirements
• Proficiency with system/engineering tools
• Equivalent experience or technical qualification (apprenticeship/BSc in engineering, computer science, or relevant field)
• Must be willing to obtain or transfer SC clearance; British Nationals or Citizens only

Benefits

25 days annual leave per year (rises by 1 day every 2 years, up to 30). 8% employer pension contribution with 1% employee contribution (salary sacrifice). Private health care, dental insurance, cash plan (level 2), life assurance (4x salary), EAP, Income Protection, professional body membership, cycle to work and car schemes, language learning allowance, and generous family leave (6 months full pay and 6 months half pay).

Job Location

United Kingdom, Cranfield

Travel

25%

Job Family

Standard

Minimum Education

Bachelor

Minimum Experience

Early career

Background Checking

Yes