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- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of complex systems in a high-impact defence environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation at the forefront of defence and secure systems engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on mission-critical projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in security-sensitive environments while mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Extensive systems engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for DV clearance and travel within the UK.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Requires SC Clearance to start and DV eligibility. Location - Berkshire 5 days per week. Salary - Competitive DoE.
We are supporting a leading organisation operating at the forefront of defence and secure systems engineering, looking to appoint an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to take a key leadership role across complex, high-impact programmes. This is an opportunity to work on mission‑critical systems in a security‑sensitive environment, providing technical leadership across the full systems lifecycle while guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams.
The Role
- Lead the development, integration and delivery of complex systems across the full lifecycle
- Provide technical oversight and assurance, ensuring solutions meet stakeholder, safety and security requirements
- Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Own and review requirements, architecture and technical documentation
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry and engineering standards
Essential Skills & Experience
- Extensive experience in systems engineering across the full lifecycle
- Strong working knowledge of requirements management and modelling tools (e.g. DOORS, UML, SysML, Enterprise Architect)
- Proven ability to produce and review high‑quality technical documentation
- Demonstrable leadership and team management experience
- Familiarity with industry standards such as ISO 15288, IEEE and IEC
Desirable
- INCOSE certification (ASEP / CSEP)
- Background in defence, aerospace or other safety‑ or security‑critical sectors
- Knowledge of security frameworks and standards, including NCSC requirements
Education & Background
- Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline
- Significant industry experience delivering complex systems, ideally within secure environments
Additional Requirements
- Eligibility for DV security clearance
- Willingness to travel within the UK
- Full UK driving licence
Principal Systems Engineer in Thatcham employer: Copello
Contact Detail:
Copello Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer in Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex systems. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise online! Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant projects and achievements. Join groups related to systems engineering and engage in discussions. This can help you get noticed by recruiters looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in systems engineering and your familiarity with industry standards. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in systems engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those in defence or secure environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've managed teams and delivered complex systems. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Technical Documentation Matters: We’re keen on high-quality technical documentation, so make sure to mention your experience with tools like DOORS, UML, or SysML. If you’ve produced or reviewed technical documents, give us the details – it’s a big plus for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering knowledge, especially around the full lifecycle. Be ready to discuss your experience with requirements management and modelling tools like DOORS or UML, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll be expected to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Get comfortable with relevant industry standards such as ISO 15288 and IEEE. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your understanding of compliance in a security-sensitive environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and technical oversight capabilities. Think about complex systems you've worked on and be ready to explain your approach to ensuring safety and security requirements were met.