At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of underwater defence technology and lead impactful engineering projects.
- 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 project opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national defence while working on cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in systems engineering with a relevant degree or military experience.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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 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 Required: UK Eyes Only (Sole UK National) / SC Cleared
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.
Qualifications 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) UK Eyes Only / SC Clearance.
Qualifications:
- 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.
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 are 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 Insurance.
- Pension Scheme.
- Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits.
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings.
- Flexible way of working (role dependent).
Senior Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems) 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 Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems)
✨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 Senior Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems) 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 Senior Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems) 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 Senior Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Systems Engineer Defence (Underwater Systems), 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.
