ELECTRO-OPTICAL ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER in Wales

The Electro-Optical Electronics Systems Engineer will take technical responsibility for the design, integration, and validation of vehicle-mounted electro-optical (EO/IR) systems used in predominantly land platform surveillance, targeting, and situational awareness applications. The role focuses on the electronic system architecture, including power management, sensor selection, video distribution, data bus integration, and compliance with EMC and defence environmental standards.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS

• System Definition & Architecture: Developing & maintaining system block diagrams, power distribution architectures, and interface control documents (ICDs) for vehicle-mounted Electro-Optical systems. Define and specify electronic subsystems for sensor control, video processing, and data interfaces. Translate customer and platform-level requirements into system and subsystem specifications using structured systems engineering methods. Conduct system-level trade-offs between performance, cost, weight, power, and environmental resilience.
• Power & Signal Integration: Define and verify 28 VDC vehicle power interfaces in accordance with DEF-STAN 61-5 and platform-specific electrical standards. Ensure robust design for power conditioning, surge protection, and transient suppression compliant with military vehicle power profiles. Define and validate grounding, bonding, and shielding schemes to achieve EMC and system reliability targets. Review and support harness design, connector selection, and electrical interface documentation.
• Video & Data Management: Define and integrate video architectures for thermal and daylight camera feeds, including digital and analogue formats (SDI, HDMI, LVDS, or Ethernet-based systems). Support selection and configuration of video encoders, distribution units, and mission displays. Integrate data buses (CAN, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, RS-422/485) and ensure timing, protocol, and signal integrity across the system. Assist software and firmware teams in defining data flow and control interface requirements.
• Integration, Test & Compliance: Lead system-level integration and verification at bench, vehicle rig, and field level. Develop and execute test plans covering power, signal, and data interfaces. Support EMC testing in accordance with DEF-STAN 59-411, MIL-STD-461, and related parts (RE102, CE102, RS103, CS114). Contribute to environmental qualification activities under DEF-STAN 00-35 and MIL-STD-810. Ensure compliance with applicable safety and security standards (DEF-STAN 00-56, JSP 440).
• Lifecycle Support: Participate in NPI technical design reviews (Kick off, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.). Contribute to bid support, estimation, and risk management for new programmes. Support system issue investigation, root cause analysis, and change management through production and in-service phases.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Proven ability with vehicle electrical systems, 28 VDC power, and data/video integration.
• Working knowledge of EMC design principles, grounding, shielding, and filtering for military vehicles.
• Proven ability with data bus protocols such as CAN, RS-422/485, Ethernet, and/or MIL-STD-1553.
• Proficiency with requirements management tools (IBM DOORS or similar) and structured design processes (ISO 15288 / INCOSE).
• Practical experience supporting EMC and environmental qualification testing to DEF-STAN 59-411 / MIL-STD-461 / 810.

DESIRABLES

• Familiarity with electro-optical sensors, turrets, or targeting systems.
• Knowledge of video compression and distribution standards (H.264/H.265, SDI, CoaXPress, etc.).
• Familiarity integrating systems onto armoured vehicle platforms (wheeled & tracked).

ADDITIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION: We seek an Electro-Optical Electronics Systems Engineer who has worked in a military/defence environment/industry within the last 12 months or who is capable of obtaining security clearance (SC level minimum).