Principal Systems Engineer in Bristol

Our client is a defence technology company.
We're building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.
We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.
Headquartered in Bristol, our client employs around 200 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe's fastest-growing engineering businesses.
About the role
We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the design and integration of complex systems across our programmes. You'll own major elements of a system - defining architecture, driving integration, and ensuring the capability works end-to-end. You'll work closely with users, engineers and partners to de-risk delivery, resolve system challenges, and ensure solutions are technically robust and operationally effective.
Across the business we're working on challenges including soldier systems, C4I integration programmes, AI/ML capabilities, and new product development. These programmes combine software, hardware, networks and data, often operating in denied, disrupted or constrained environments.
We value practical engineering and sound judgement. You'll use the right tools and level of process for the problem at hand - leveraging modern tooling and automation where it helps, while ensuring the right level of technical assurance. Experience working across waterfall, agile, iterative and spiral delivery approaches is important, as is the ability to work with a range of stakeholders across engineering teams, partners and users.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll guide engineering decisions, mentor other engineers, and take ownership of key parts of a programme while remaining close to the engineering work. Our culture values clarity, pace and engineering judgement. We focus on user needs, communicate openly and work collaboratively to deliver meaningful capability.
This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at...