Principal Systems Engineer in Bristol

What you’ll do:

• Development of Integration and Test Plans
• Control of Parts and Documentation, including change management
• Collaboration with multi‑functional teams on system and sub‑system development
• Work with suppliers, integrators, and users across the UK
• Engaging with stakeholders, defining requirements for a new system
• Conducting cost and functional performance trade‑offs and evaluation of proposed solutions
• Integrating new functionality into an existing system
• Development of capability within limitations and constraints of the target hardware
• Root‑cause analysis of anomalies observed during integration or evaluation activities
• Designing and conducting testing and trials to prove equipment function and performance
• Opportunities to lead technical activities and initiatives
• Mentoring and coaching other engineers
• Creating and delivering reports, presentations and proposals to customers and industry partners
• Supporting knowledge sharing and exploitation of good practice

What you’ll bring:

• A science‑based Honours degree or equivalent experience
• Experience or a desire to gain electronic warfare domain knowledge
• Knowledge of the systems engineering lifecycle, particularly in the following areas: Problem definition, Requirements engineering, including the use of IBM DOORS; Systems Architecture Integration; Test and Evaluation; Verification and Validation
• Desirable experience with related specialisms such as safety, security, airworthiness or reliability
• Domain‑specialist knowledge such as Digital signal processing, RF systems, Multi‑sensor data fusion and tracking, Real‑time data simulation/generation, Military Electronic systems, Data analysis using AI or Machine Learning
• Operational Experience in Electronic Intelligence or Electronic Warfare

Security Clearance: The role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), National Security Vetting (NSV), including meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). Applicants must have five years UK Residency, hold a UK Passport, and meet the eligibility requirements for required security clearance.

Salary and Employment:

• Salary Range: Principal Engineer £55,000 to £68,000
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Location: Bristol, Coldharbour Lane
• Hybrid Working: Onsite

Why join us:

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.