Principal Systems Engineer
Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer

Bristol Full-Time 43200 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
MBDA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead systems engineering projects for advanced weapons capabilities in a dynamic team environment.
  • Company: Join MBDA, a top defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces and promoting freedom.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible leave, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in national security while developing your engineering skills and leadership potential.
  • Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering, including requirements analysis and system architecture design.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with relocation options available.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.

As part of our Systems Design Emerging Portfolio and Capability function you will deliver systems engineering expertise to projects focussing on the front end of the product life cycle, designing the latest Complex Weapons capabilities for the UK and partner nation Armed Forces in response to advanced threats in all domains (Air, Land, Sea).

Salary: up to Β£60,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Bristol, Stevenage or Bolton (Relocation could be available)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Typically 3 to 4 days per week on site working, due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship! Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

  • Company bonus: Up to Β£2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
  • Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
  • Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
  • Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
  • Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
  • Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
  • Training and Development: Excellent career progression, training and career development opportunities
  • Possible Relocation available

The opportunity:

Whether embedded in a multi-disciplinary team, or leading an individual work package, you will gain broad engineering experience, engaging partners, co-ordinating technology specialists, and developing advanced systems engineering techniques. Through our people management opportunities you can learn to lead teams, and play a part in developing the engineers of the future.

What we're looking for from you:

  • Systems engineering experience in any of the following skill areas:
  • Requirements and Use Case analysis
  • Concept assessment and design trade studies
  • System architecture design and functional modelling
  • Performance assessment and systems behaviour analysis
  • Verification, Validation and Certification
  • Model based engineering techniques, including MBSE
  • Broader engineering management experience is welcome, particularly gained through leadership of work packages, integration of complex activities or, managing technical relationships with customers or suppliers.
  • Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

    We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more. 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.

    Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

    MBDA

    Contact Detail:

    MBDA Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in systems engineering, particularly in the defence sector. Understanding current technologies and methodologies, such as Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), will help you stand out during discussions.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the defence industry, especially those who work at MBDA or similar companies. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your experience with complex systems and how you've managed technical relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research MBDA's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also allow you to ask informed questions during the interview, making a positive impression.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer

    Systems Engineering
    Requirements Analysis
    Use Case Analysis
    Concept Assessment
    Design Trade Studies
    System Architecture Design
    Functional Modelling
    Performance Assessment
    Systems Behaviour Analysis
    Verification and Validation
    Certification Processes
    Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
    Engineering Management
    Leadership of Work Packages
    Integration of Complex Activities
    Technical Relationship Management

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Principal Systems Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering, particularly in areas like requirements analysis and system architecture design.

    Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV is updated and specifically tailored to the role. Emphasise your systems engineering experience, particularly any work with complex weapons capabilities or similar projects. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for recruiters to find key information.

    Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should complement your CV by providing context to your experience. Discuss why you are interested in the role at MBDA and how your background aligns with their mission of supporting the Armed Forces. Be sure to mention any leadership experience or technical relationships you've managed.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in engineering roles. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review your documents as well.

    How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Principal Systems Engineer. Familiarise yourself with systems engineering concepts, particularly in relation to complex weapons capabilities and the specific skills mentioned in the job description.

    ✨Showcase Relevant Experience

    Prepare to discuss your previous experience in systems engineering, especially in areas like requirements analysis and system architecture design. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with the needs of the role.

    ✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills

    Since the role may involve leading teams or work packages, be ready to share instances where you've successfully managed a team or coordinated with multiple stakeholders. Highlight your ability to engage partners and manage technical relationships.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, culture, and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

    Principal Systems Engineer
    MBDA
    Location: Bristol

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