Principal System Engineer

Principal System Engineer

Poole Full-Time 49000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead system design for cutting-edge C4I systems and collaborate with engineering teams.
  • Company: Join General Dynamics Mission Systems, a leader in high-tech solutions for defence and scientific fields.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a compressed nine-day fortnight, and a flexible benefits package.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values trust, diversity, and personal growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft applications required.
  • Other info: We are a Disability Confident Employer and support diverse backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 49000 - 65000 £ per year.

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

As Principal Systems Engineer you will make a significant contribution to the System Design of C4I Systems on GDUK programmes through application of world class Systems Engineering expertise. The role offers an opportunity to provide System Engineering effort on a variety of MoD development and delivery programmes, Customer Research and Development, and Internal Research and Development. The work will cover a variety of activities including:

  • Analyse user and system level documentation, produce system designs, and provide significant input to System Readiness Reviews and System Design Reviews
  • Collaborate with speciality engineering teams to ensure a complete system solution, including evaluating and modelling system performance
  • Specify interfaces and system components, manage the system design through its lifecycle, including design reviews
  • Engage with development, integration, and test teams for system design, component development, and fault finding
  • Liaise with stakeholders, including users and technical advisors, throughout the project lifecycle

Qualifications

To be successful in this valuable role you will have:

  • Proven experience leading system engineering teams and delivering across all phases of the engineering life-cycle
  • Broad competence in systems engineering, including resolving design challenges and engaging specialist engineering disciplines
  • Experience with structured design methods, requirement management, and system design tools
  • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering and System Modelling Language (SysML)

It is desirable but not mandatory that you have experience of the following:

  • Understanding of computer and network infrastructures, military hardware, and relevant standards
  • Experience with The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) and/or NATO Architecture Framework (NAF)
  • Ability to commit to occasional travel

Additional Information

Salary for this position is £59,200 to £75,000, depending on experience plus our excellent flexible benefits package. We offer hybrid working - for this role ideally we are looking for an average of 2 days per week per month on site. We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits:

  • A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
  • A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
  • A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team! Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company. We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.

Principal System Engineer employer: General Dynamics UK

At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our diverse team of over 13,000 professionals. With flexible working arrangements, a compressed nine-day fortnight, and personalised career development plans, we are committed to supporting your growth while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Join us in our mission-driven environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact in the defence and scientific sectors.
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Contact Detail:

General Dynamics UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal System Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific systems engineering methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as Model-Based Systems Engineering and SysML. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of General Dynamics Mission Systems on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with structured design methods and requirement management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully resolved design challenges in past projects, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the latest trends and technologies in avionics and communication systems. Showing that you are up-to-date with industry advancements will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning in the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal System Engineer

Systems Engineering
System Design
Lifecycle Management
Requirement Management
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
System Modelling Language (SysML)
Communication Skills
Collaboration with Engineering Teams
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Technical Documentation Analysis
Design Review Facilitation
Fault Finding and Troubleshooting
Understanding of Military Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Systems Engineer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in systems engineering, particularly any leadership roles or projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Consider including examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or stakeholders in the past.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and culture of General Dynamics Mission Systems. Mention your alignment with their emphasis on trust, honesty, and transparency, and how you can contribute to their mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at General Dynamics UK

✨Showcase Your Systems Engineering Expertise

Make sure to highlight your experience in leading system engineering teams and your familiarity with the entire engineering life-cycle. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you resolved design challenges and collaborated with specialist engineering disciplines.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Given the importance of liaising with stakeholders, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've effectively communicated with users and technical advisors.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Frameworks

While not mandatory, having knowledge of frameworks like TOGAF or NAF can set you apart. Brush up on these concepts and be ready to discuss how they relate to your previous work in systems engineering.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to structured design methods, requirement management, and system design tools. Review your understanding of Model-Based Systems Engineering and SysML, as these are likely to come up during the interview.

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