At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative systems engineering for the Future Combat Air Programme in Defence.
- Company: Join a pioneering team within a global partnership for cutting-edge military technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while collaborating with international allies.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 58000 £ per year.
Join a ground-breaking programme within the Defence sector, focused on designing and delivering a cutting‑edge Future Combat Air Programme for the Royal Air Force within an ambitious timeframe. This initiative is built upon a global partnership through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), uniting the UK with international allies Italy and Japan.
Key Accountabilities
- Management and Delivery of key System of Systems concepting activities
- Ownership of key requirements entities
- Architectural processes across the project
- Model Based Engineering tools
- Manage relationship with design teams to help define and convey the overall system concept, trades, fundamental design principles and constraints that balance fulfilment of the need
- Support cross‑functional assessment and analysis activities
- Management of junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Desired Experience and Skills
- Experience as a systems engineer, proactive and able to work autonomously
- Analytical systems thinking and ability to develop and communicate new concepts and architectures, with an understanding of the requirements or needs that drive the design
- Ability to present and engage with senior internal and external stakeholders
- Capability to take responsibility for decisions that affect multiple design domains or system elements
- Ability to influence and drive a narrative
- willingness to learn and deliver as part of an agile team
- Attention to detail along with excellent organisational and communication skills
Salary and Working Arrangements
- Salary: up to £58,000 depending on experience
- Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on‑site due to workload classification
- Security clearance: British citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship
Benefits and Perks
- Company bonus: up to £2,500 based on company performance
- Pension: maximum total contribution of up to 14 %
- Paid overtime opportunity
- Flexi leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working arrangements welcomed
- Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (additional enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave, fertility treatments)
- Site facilities including subsidised meals and free car parking
- Healthcare Cash Plan: option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses (optical, dental, health and wellbeing)
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. All successful candidates will, after offer, undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
Principal Systems Engineer employer: MBDA S.A.S.
As a Principal Systems Engineer within our innovative Defence programme, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the Future Combat Air Programme for the Royal Air Force. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth, offering flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including a company bonus and enhanced parental leave, and opportunities to engage with international partners. Join us in a role where your contributions will directly impact cutting-edge technology and national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Defence sector, especially those involved in the Future Combat Air Programme. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for the role and how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in systems engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those that align with Defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your analytical systems thinking and how you've successfully managed relationships with design teams in the past.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational and communication skills. We want to see how you can engage with senior stakeholders and influence decisions across multiple design domains.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Future Combat Air Programme!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA S.A.S.
✨Know Your Systems Inside Out
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in systems engineering. Brush up on key concepts, tools, and methodologies relevant to the role, especially Model Based Engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to present examples of your analytical systems thinking. Think about times when you developed new concepts or architectures. Be specific about the requirements that drove your designs and how you communicated these to stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be interacting with senior internal and external stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced decisions in previous roles and how you can drive narratives that align with project goals.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working in agile teams and managing junior engineers. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to continuous improvement initiatives and fostered collaboration within your team. This will show your willingness to learn and grow together.