At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of complex electronic systems for impactful projects in defence.
- Company: Specialist engineering firm focused on high-reliability electronic systems.
- Benefits: Up to £70,000 salary, pension, life insurance, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: 4.5-day work week with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in defence technology while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and experience in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
KO2's client is a specialist engineering business operating in a highly regulated and technically demanding sector. They design, manufacture, and deliver electronic systems where performance and reliability are paramount, working on programmes that have genuine real-world impact. This is a rare opening for a Principal Electronics Engineer to join a small, expert team working on some of the most technically challenging and commercially significant projects in their field.
Why This Role Is Worth Your Attention
This is not a box-ticking electronics role. You will be working on complex, high-integrity systems that require serious analogue design capability and the confidence to take technical ownership from concept through to delivery. The team is experienced, the work is meaningful, and your contribution will be visible. Specifically, you will be involved in the design and development of electronic systems used in weapons interface applications for the UK defence sector, requiring SC security clearance.
This particular position is based at the client's Rugeley office in Staffordshire and is ideally suited to engineers in and around the Stafford, Cannock, or Lichfield areas. The role does require periodic travel to the client's principal site in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, typically one to two days per week or fortnight. Travel and hotel accommodation for those visits are fully covered by the company, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for the engineer. Overnight stays will be in the High Wycombe area. The working week is 4.5 days (Friday afternoon off), with an initial site-based period at Rugeley that reduces over time as trust is established.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the design and development of complex electronic systems from concept through to production and in-service support
- Acting as technical authority for electronics across multiple concurrent programmes
- Defining system and subsystem requirements to meet customer, regulatory, and operational needs
- Providing expert guidance on analogue and mixed-signal electronic design, architecture, and component selection
- Conducting circuit analysis, simulation, and formal design reviews
- Overseeing schematic capture and guiding PCB layout activities
- Supporting verification, integration, qualification, and production phases
- Mentoring and developing engineers within the team
- Representing the business in technical reviews and customer meetings
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
- Significant experience designing electronic systems in high-reliability or regulated industries
- Strong analogue electronics design and circuit simulation expertise
- Experience with communication protocols such as RS485, SPI, I2C, CAN or similar
- Solid understanding of component selection, derating, reliability, and lifecycle considerations
- Ability to produce and review schematics and technical documentation to a high standard
- Understanding of PCB design principles, layout supervision, and design-for-manufacture
- Self-motivated and confident leading technical delivery in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable with occasional overnight stays as part of a planned travel schedule
Desirable:
- Experience with EMC design
- Digital circuit design background
- Wiring definition experience
- Familiarity with Altium Designer
- Prior experience in defence or aerospace
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the programmes involved, candidates must be British nationals and eligible for SC security clearance. Candidates who are dual nationals may be considered in certain circumstances, but this will require discussion at interview stage. A clean criminal record is required. BPSS screening will be conducted at the point of offer.
Salary and Package
Up to £70,000 basic salary, plus pension, life insurance, and a competitive wider benefits package. All approved travel and hotel costs for visits to the High Wycombe site are met in full by the company. Full package details will be provided at the appropriate stage.
To apply or find out more, please contact the KO2 team in confidence.
Principal Electronics Engineer in Stafford employer: KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
Join a well-established engineering company in Eastbourne that prioritises innovation and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic, while also having access to continuous professional development opportunities. This is an excellent employer that values its employees and invests in their growth, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
Contact Details:
KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Electronics Engineer in Stafford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Electronics Engineer role you’re after at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Electronics Engineer at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Electronics Engineer in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Electronics Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
