At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of complex systems for mission-critical defence platforms.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with personalised career development and exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on key UK defence programmes with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in Systems Engineering; degree in relevant field or military background.
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference? You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
Play a lead role in delivering complex, high-integrity systems for mission-critical defence platforms. At ALTEN, we’re supporting the development of cutting-edge electronic systems used in some of the most challenging environments. As a Lead Systems Engineer, you’ll work across the full V-lifecycle – from requirements derivation through to integration and acceptance. This is a chance to take ownership of technical delivery and drive real impact on key UK defence programmes.
Key Details:
- Location: Hybrid – Barnstaple (2 days/week on-site)
- Experience Level: 8+ years' experience in Systems Engineering within defence, marine, or other regulated sectors
- Security Clearance: Able to obtain SC Clearance (Minimum 5 years in the UK)
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver full-lifecycle systems engineering in line with the V-Model
- Derive and manage requirements from customer specifications and defence standards
- Produce Integrated Test, Evaluation & Acceptance Plans (ITEAPs)
- Lead subsystem integration across software, electronics, and hardware interfaces
- Proactively manage delivery actions to maintain project momentum
- Troubleshoot system-level issues in a multi-disciplinary team
- Support verification, validation, and acceptance activities to meet performance targets
Qualifications
Required Skills:
- Proficiency with IBM DOORS for requirements capture and traceability
- Experience deriving requirements from MOD or industry standards
- Background in generating ITEAPs and managing formal acceptance
- Confident in system integration across multi-domain platforms
- Ability to proactively drive delivery actions and manage priorities
- Strong communication and collaboration skills in engineering teams
- Experience in full-lifecycle engineering and working within the V-Model
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Systems, Electronics, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering) OR A relevant technical military background in high-integrity UK defence or platform systems
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in defence, naval, or submarine platforms
- Familiarity with DEF STANs, safety/security standards, or mission-critical systems
- Exposure to MBSE, modelling tools, or structured systems design
- Background in other regulated industries such as aerospace, nuclear, or transport
Additional Information
Why join us? We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We’re here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- A competitive salary
- Private Medical & Travel Insurance
- Pension Scheme
- Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence in Devon employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence in Devon
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence role you’re after at ALTEN.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at ALTEN a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at ALTEN.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence at ALTEN, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at ALTEN a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to ALTEN specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ALTEN, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like ALTEN want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
