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- Tasks: Join a team to develop cutting-edge systems for defence technology.
- Company: Chess Dynamics is a top UK defence tech firm focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Work on impactful projects while growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in a relevant STEM field; strong teamwork and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Must obtain UK Security Clearance; hybrid working options available.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Chess Dynamics is a leading UK defence technology company specialising in precision electro-optical, radar, and systems solutions for surveillance and fire control. Based in Horsham with multiple UK sites, we offer a supportive environment where innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration drive real-world defence applications.
Why Join Us as a Graduate Systems Engineer?
- Work alongside experienced engineers on high-accuracy sensing systems and electro-mechanical product lines.
- Participate in meaningful projects from requirements capture through testing and delivery.
- Thrive in a culture committed to training, personal development, and work/life balance.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to derive, document, and model system requirements.
- Assist in developing system architecture, integration planning, interface control documentation, and adherence to standards.
- Support verification and validation efforts including system testing, fault diagnosis, and issue reporting.
- Generate engineering artefacts such as block diagrams, interface matrices, and traceability documentation.
- Resolve technical problems by liaising with electronic, mechanical, and software engineers.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across system development and production support.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- 2:1 (or above) honours degree or master\’s in Systems Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related STEM discipline.
- Strong academic understanding of system design lifecycle
- Broad general appreciation of electrical, mechanical and software disciplines.
- Ability to work in a team to resolve technical problems, including identifying key stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
Desirable Experience
- Familiarity with requirements management principles and relevant tools. Demonstrable understanding of a classical engineering development life cycle and systems engineering.
- Exposure to systems testing approaches, V-model lifecycle, or similar frameworks.
- Some experience with data analysis, MATLAB/Simulink, or scripting tools.
Personal Attributes
- Curiosity, attention to detail, and a methodical mindset.
- A passion for working in collaborative technical environments.
- Willingness to learn quickly, ask questions, and take on responsibility.
- Demonstrates an initiative and resourceful approach to resolving challenges
What We Offer
- Mentoring, and structured development to support early-career growth.
- Embedded professional development via real-world system-level projects.
- Competitive benefits: generous holidays, pension contributions, staff discounts, and wellness initiatives
- A workplace that values innovation, fresh ideas, and collective problem-solving
Work life balance:
- 37.5 hour working week
- Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave
- Christmas closure
- Holiday purchasing scheme
Benefits:
- Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
- Income protection scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
- Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
- Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
- Regular sports and social activities
- Gym membership discounts
- Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
- Recruitment referral bonus scheme
- Excellent learning & development opportunities
- Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations
Security Clearance Requirements:
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Graduate Systems Engineer employer: Chess Dynamics Ltd
Contact Detail:
Chess Dynamics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the systems engineering lifecycle and be prepared to discuss it in detail. Understanding how requirements capture, testing, and delivery fit into this lifecycle will show your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence technology sector, especially those who work at Chess Dynamics or similar companies. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for a Graduate Systems Engineer role. Consider working on small projects or case studies that require you to model system requirements and develop solutions, which you can then discuss in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for collaborative environments by preparing examples of past teamwork experiences. Highlight how you contributed to resolving technical challenges and how you engaged with multidisciplinary teams, as this aligns well with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Graduate Systems Engineer role. Emphasise your academic achievements in Systems Engineering or related STEM disciplines, and any projects that showcase your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for defence technology and your eagerness to contribute to Chess Dynamics. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of system design and your ability to work collaboratively in technical environments.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, highlight any familiarity with requirements management principles, systems testing approaches, or tools like MATLAB/Simulink. This will show that you have a solid foundation for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in engineering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chess Dynamics Ltd
✨Understand the Company and Its Products
Before your interview, take some time to research Chess Dynamics and their products. Familiarise yourself with their precision electro-optical and radar systems. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your academic background and any relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight your understanding of system design lifecycle and any experience with tools like MATLAB/Simulink. This will show that you have the technical foundation needed for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Discuss your ability to communicate effectively and resolve technical problems as part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity and Willingness to Learn
Chess Dynamics values curiosity and a methodical mindset. During the interview, express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Ask insightful questions about the company's projects and culture to show your enthusiasm for the position.