Principal System Engineer

We're supporting a leading organisation operating at the forefront of defence and secure systems engineering, looking to appoint an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to take a key leadership role across complex, high-impact programmes.

This is an opportunity to work on mission-critical systems in a security-sensitive environment, providing technical leadership across the full systems lifecycle while guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams.

The Role

Lead the development, integration and delivery of complex systems across the full lifecycle

Provide technical oversight and assurance, ensuring solutions meet stakeholder, safety and security requirements

Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams

Own and review requirements, architecture and technical documentation

Ensure compliance with relevant industry and engineering standards

Extensive experience in systems engineering across the full lifecycle

Strong working knowledge of requirements management and modelling tools (e.g. DOORS, UML, SysML, Enterprise Architect)

Proven ability to produce and review high-quality technical documentation

Demonstrable leadership and team management experience

Familiarity with industry standards such as ISO 15288, IEEE and IEC

Desirable

INCOSE certification (ASEP / CSEP)

Background in defence, aerospace or other safety- or security-critical sectors

Knowledge of security frameworks and standards, including NCSC requirements

Education & Background

Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline

Significant industry experience delivering complex systems, ideally within secure environments

Additional Requirements

Eligibility for DV security clearance

Willingness to travel within the UK

Full UK driving licence