Principal Research Systems Engineer in Bristol

Based at our Global Technology Centre in Bristol, we are looking for a Principal Engineer with a strong background in Systems Engineering to help shape the future of flight. Our aim is to deploy a modern systems engineering ethos across the broad domains within the portfolio (Software, Controls, Structures, Prototyping, Electrical & Cryogenic systems). Working in advancing technologies developing the key underpinning physics but also the methods, capabilities and evidence to support our prototypes, we want a dynamic and experienced individual to help us:

• Provide technical leadership across the full technology engineering lifecycle through using Systems Engineering methods appropriate to our needs.
• Evolve and grow our capability embedding this into each discipline within the portfolio & beyond to stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure that systems engineering principles are applied consistently across the portfolio of programmes.
• Champion the use of Model Based Enterprise toolsets to better manage technical projects, knowledge and progress.

This role offers hybrid working.

The Principal Research Engineer - Systems Engineering will contribute to the following:

• System Engineering leadership championing a systems thinking across the whole portfolio to align teams into a common alignment with the concept of Best Fit.
• Act as a technical authority and mentor across the portfolio in conjunction with the Tech Authority, manage reports and take responsibility for capability growth.
• System Engineering Framework Development & Deployment – Define and maintain a Systems Engineering Framework that aligns to technology development in aerospace and tailored for the organisation’s portfolio.
• Codebeamer Integration & Governance – Champion the use of Codebeamer as the tool for requirements capture and decomposition, Agile tasking across teams, Dashboard Compliance reporting for safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, Wiki knowledge management.
• Manage team and execution – Coach, support and develop the systems personnel reporting to the Principal Systems Engineer, including career progression, annual appraisals and clear goal setting.
• Develop a strategic plan for delivery of key systems programme aims.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Expert in systems engineering lifecycle (ISO/IEC 15288, INCOSE) with experience in MBSE (e.g. SysML).
• Hands-on experience using Codebeamer (or similar tools) for requirements management, traceability, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of requirements elicitation, decomposition, interface management, V&V planning, especially in a technical development environment.
• Framework & Process Development – Proven track record in defining and deploying SE frameworks across programmes, including championing change and mind-set development across teams and disciplines.
• Ability to integrate tools (e.g., Codebeamer, modelling environments) into a coherent digital-thread approach.
• Experienced in leading and mentoring cross-functional engineering teams.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and can translate to a variety of audiences.
• Confident and able to represent their project(s)/Function/Discipline in internal/external environment.

Education & Professional Standing – STEM degree with significant experience in systems engineering, Chartered Engineer (CEng), INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, or equivalent.

What We’ll Offer:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Up to 15% Bonus.
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme – well match your contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12%).
• Life Assurance 8×salary.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle To Work Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.