At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of underwater defence technology through innovative engineering projects.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values your growth and empowers your career journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while working on cutting-edge submarine systems.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in systems engineering with a relevant degree or military experience.
Are you passionate about engineering? 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 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'll 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)
- Own and deliver system-level engineering work packages across the entire V-Model lifecycle.
- Apply systems thinking to identify and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and system interfaces.
- 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.
Requirements:
- 8+ years in systems engineering within defence, maritime, or similarly regulated sectors.
- Understanding of submarine systems, complex defence architectures, or systems-of-systems.
- Familiarity with system safety, risk mitigation, and change management best practices.
- A Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Electronics, Mechanical, or Physics.
- A Master’s degree in a related technical discipline is highly desirable.
- Alternatively, a relevant technical background in the UK Armed Forces with applied systems engineering experience is equally valued.
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. 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!
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 Insurance.
Pension Scheme.
Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits.
Flexible way of working (role dependent).
Senior Engineer (Mechanical Systems) in Manchester 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 Senior Engineer (Mechanical Systems) in Manchester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like ALTEN.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like ALTEN love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ALTEN and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer (Mechanical Systems) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for ALTEN and the Senior Engineer (Mechanical Systems) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at ALTEN.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at ALTEN.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with ALTEN, making you a more appealing candidate.
