System Engineer - Integration and Test in Crawley

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK

Acron Aviation Training Systems play a key role in delivering the Acron Aviation Solutions mantra of ‘Creating Safer Skies’. From our computer-based solutions all the way to our state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulators (FFS), improving the training experience and creating safer skies is at the heart of everything we do. Our Fixed Training Devices (FTD) and FFS feature aircraft-specific flight decks, offering the form, fit, feel, and function of the actual aircraft.

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Systems Engineer to join our Flight Simulation team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing system integration, verification, and validation of advanced flight simulation systems. This role will also involve direct customer interaction for system acceptance and ensuring the timely resolution of issues as they arise during development, testing, and deployment.

As a Systems Engineer in the aerospace sector, your primary responsibility will be to ensure that flight simulation systems meet rigorous operational standards and customer requirements. You will play a key role in testing, validating, and delivering systems that simulate real-world aviation environments. Our organisation operates in a unique marketplace where we deliver products and services to almost every continent, providing the underlying capability to many pilot training operations globally. The marketplace is competitive and requires individuals who are fast-moving, customer-oriented, and results-driven.

This particular opportunity is right at the heart of our transformation goals. This role will suit an individual that is highly motivated, hands-on, and wants to implement change. We are seeking dynamic individuals who embody our core values of agility, customer focus, ownership, and transparency. In this role, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, moving quickly to adapt and make decisions that drive progress while always keeping the customer first. You’ll demonstrate accountability by owning your objectives from start to finish, ensuring high-quality outcomes that prioritize customer needs.

We value honest, open communication, so speaking candidly and providing constructive feedback is essential. Above all, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do—working together to achieve shared goals, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive, collaborative workplace culture. Our Values are an integral part of who we are. We seek candidates who share our values:

• Customer First
• Own It
• Move Fast
• Speak Candidly

What We Can Offer:

• 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service and with the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme of up to 7% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4x salary (flexible up to 10x)
• Group income protection
• Flexible opt-in extras such as a health care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover and cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance program providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Staff car park incl. electric vehicle charging stations

Key Responsibilities:

• System Integration: Lead the integration of various subsystems (hardware and software) into cohesive flight simulation systems. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement integration procedures, ensuring all subsystems function together as intended. Troubleshoot integration issues, identify root causes, and develop solutions to ensure seamless system performance. Maintain and optimize system configurations for improved operational efficiency and system reliability.
• Verification & Validation: Define and execute test plans to verify system performance, functionality, and safety. Ensure all simulation systems meet regulatory standards and performance metrics required for certification. Develop and conduct test procedures to validate the accuracy and reliability of flight simulation systems. Create detailed reports summarising test results, deviations, and corrective actions. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to validate system compliance with industry standards.
• Customer Acceptance: Act as the primary point of contact for customers during the acceptance phase of flight simulation systems. Work directly with clients to ensure all system specifications and contractual requirements are met prior to acceptance. Conduct customer-specific system tests and demonstrations to gain sign-off on system readiness. Provide expert guidance and support to customers during the acceptance testing process, addressing any concerns or adjustments needed.
• Issue Resolution: Respond to system issues identified during testing or customer feedback and collaborate with internal teams to resolve them promptly. Document, track, and report all issues, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution within established timelines. Lead troubleshooting and diagnostic efforts to address complex system malfunctions and operational anomalies. Provide technical support and training to customers and internal teams for ongoing system maintenance and issue mitigation.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of flight simulation systems and their components. Proficiency in system integration, hardware/software interfaces, and performance testing. Experience with simulation software tools, modelling languages, and simulation platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, RTOS). Familiarity with industry standards and certifications (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254). Experience with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and system diagnostics.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, customer interactions, and issue resolution.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on resolving complex systems issues under tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Experience with flight simulation systems such as FFS (Full Flight Simulators), FTD (Flight Training Devices), or other man-in-the-loop simulation environments.
• Experience with Customer-Facing Roles: Prior experience working directly with customers during system acceptance testing and providing post-delivery support is highly desirable.
• Certification or training in INCOSE Systems Engineering practices.
• Exposure to agile or hybrid development methodologies.
• Knowledge of Flight Simulation Regulations: Familiarity with military and commercial flight simulation regulations and acceptance criteria.

Key Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring systems meet strict performance and safety requirements.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineers, designers, and customers.
• Customer Focus: Prioritising customer needs and ensuring that delivered systems meet or exceed expectations.
• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust to changing requirements and emerging technologies in the flight simulation industry.
• Technical Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor junior engineers while managing multiple project timelines.

Additional Considerations:

• May require extensive travel to customer sites or test facilities.
• Office-based with lab and simulator facility interaction.
• Must be eligible to work worldwide and obtain necessary security clearances if required.

Please note: All candidates who wish to be considered for this vacancy must have the right to work in the UK.