Senior Systems Engineer – Defence in Manchester

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.

Play a key role in shaping the future of underwater defence technology. ALTEN is seeking experienced Systems Engineers to support the development of mission-critical submarine systems on a long-term UK defence programme. Working on a complex multi-domain architecture, you will take ownership across the entire systems engineering lifecycle — from understanding end-user needs through to solution design, integration and validation. This is an opportunity to deliver impactful engineering in a secure, high-integrity environment, where your expertise directly supports national defence capability.

Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 2/3 days per week on site)

Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and deliver system-level engineering work packages across the entire V-Model lifecycle.
• Lead and contribute to systems design, architecture development, and requirements derivation.
• Apply systems thinking to identify and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and system interfaces.
• Analyse and interpret User Requirements Documents (URDs), create and manage baselines.
• Define and execute validation and verification strategies for complex hardware/software systems.
• Collaborate within project teams to produce high-quality artefacts, from concepts to test readiness.

Skills & Experience Required:

• 8+ years in systems engineering within defence, maritime, or similarly regulated sectors.
• Strong command of DOORS, system requirements management, and V lifecycle development.
• Understanding of submarine systems, complex defence architectures, or systems-of-systems.
• Familiarity with system safety, risk mitigation, and change management best practices.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage delivery, and communicate effectively.
• Must hold (or be eligible for) SC Clearance.

Soft Skills & Collaboration:

• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive approach to quality, compliance, and continuous learning.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands-on experience.

Additional Information:

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists, empowering innovative solutions. We offer opportunities to join inspiring projects in innovative companies and support career development with mentoring programs, internal universities, and more. We provide a range of benefits including a personalised career path, competitive salary, Private Medical Insurance, Pension Scheme, Cycle-to-work Scheme, and opportunities for flexible working (role dependent).

Armed Forces Covenant & Diversity: We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and strive to ensure fair recruitment processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Security & Onboarding: This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. Onboarding may involve completing a Baseline Personnel Security Standard check; details can be found on Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this, employment may be delayed or declined.