At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering projects that shape national security technology.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in defence innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse roles and mentoring for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical defence programmes and national security.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 3-5 years' experience in systems engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 72000 £ per year.
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Location: New Malden (hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 - £72,000
What’s Your Possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help shape the technology and solutions of tomorrow. As part of our team, you will contribute to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. This is what we call Defining Possible. This mindset powers our innovation, our impact, and your career development.
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in delivering Systems Engineering activities across key defence programmes. You will support the full engineering lifecycle, from understanding customer needs through to system design, integration, acceptance and delivery. You’ll work within our Defence Systems Engineering team, supporting programmes critical to UK national security, including multi-domain command and control systems used across the Royal Navy and internationally. Your expertise will directly influence technical quality, design assurance and programme success.
What You Will Do
- Lead, conduct and deliver Systems Engineering work packages across the project lifecycle.
- Produce and review technical documentation in line with programme schedules.
- Plan, prepare and deliver key design reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
- Manage technical aspects of suppliers, ensuring alignment with requirements and design baselines.
- Review technical documentation from customers and suppliers, providing challenge and assurance.
- Integrate effectively with Hardware, Mechanical, Software, V&V, ILS, Cybersecurity and Safety teams.
- Provide technical leadership to deliver work packages on time, to cost and quality.
- Support risk management, opportunity assessments, bids, proposals and estimation activities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 3–5 years’ experience in systems engineering within defence, maritime, aerospace or a regulated environment.
- Experience of system requirements, design, integration, acceptance and analysis.
- Knowledge of control systems, PLC/SCADA and operational technology.
- Experience with Model-Based Design and tools such as Enterprise Architect.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience in requirements management tools such as DOORS.
- Understanding of the marine environment, environmental standards and safety-related systems.
Preferred
- Knowledge of V&V activities including environmental and EMC testing.
- INCOSE ASE or CSEP accreditation.
If you feel inspired by the role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must meet the nationality and residency requirements for UK Security Check (SC) clearance. You must be able to gain and maintain SC clearance.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working options, including a compressed fortnight with every other Friday off
- Private healthcare
- Cash health plan
- Holiday buy and sell options
- Career development, mentoring and professional training
- Performance-related bonuses
Why Join Us?
- A Mission to Believe In: Work on technology that protects national security and supports operations across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
- A Place to Belong and Thrive: Bring your authentic self to work and join an inclusive community supported by employee networks and partnerships across defence, engineering and wellbeing.
- Your Career, Your Way: Shape your career journey with diverse roles, structured development, mentoring and opportunities to grow your expertise.
Ready to Apply?
- Yes – Submit your application online.
- Possibly – Contact our team for more information.
- Not right now – Explore other opportunities across Northrop Grumman UK. We are growing nationwide.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Principal Systems Engineer in London employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At Northrop Grumman UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee development through mentoring and professional training ensures that you can shape your career in meaningful ways. Join us in New Malden, where you will contribute to vital defence programmes that protect national security, all within an inclusive community that values your authentic self.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northrop Grumman or in the defence sector on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with systems engineering. We want to see how you can tackle real-world challenges, so think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the mission! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight why you're excited about working on technology that supports national security. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re keen and professional, and it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your systems engineering experience, especially in defence or regulated environments, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include specific examples of your experience with system requirements, design, and integration. Mention any tools you’ve used, like DOORS or Enterprise Architect, to give us a clear picture of your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles, especially those relevant to defence and aerospace. Be ready to discuss your experience with system requirements, design, integration, and acceptance in detail.
✨Prepare for Technical Documentation Questions
Since you'll be producing and reviewing technical documentation, be prepared to talk about your past experiences with this. Bring examples of documents you've worked on and be ready to explain how you ensured they met programme schedules.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll need to provide technical leadership. Think of examples where you've led projects or teams, and be ready to discuss how you managed timelines, costs, and quality.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission and the specific programmes you'll be working on. Showing that you understand the impact of your role on national security will demonstrate your commitment and alignment with their goals.
