Principal System Engineer

Principal System Engineer

Full-Time 75000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Morson Talent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead systems engineering for advanced maritime and defence technology projects.
  • Company: Innovative organisation specialising in sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems.
  • Benefits: Salary up to £75,000, hybrid working, and strong career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on mission-critical defence programmes while mentoring future engineers.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in systems engineering and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for technical influence and growth.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: London (Hybrid working available)

Salary: Up to £75,000

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to play a key role in delivering advanced maritime and defence technology solutions. The organisation specialises in the development of sophisticated sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems that support naval operations globally. This is a senior position requiring strong technical leadership and a deep understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle. You will drive systems engineering activities across complex, high-integrity projects while mentoring junior engineers and influencing technical direction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead systems engineering activities across the full project lifecycle (concept, development, integration, verification, and in-service support)
  • Own and manage system requirements, ensuring traceability and alignment with customer needs
  • Define system architectures and support high-level and detailed design decisions
  • Oversee system integration, verification, and validation strategies
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers
  • Act as a key interface between engineering disciplines, stakeholders, and customers
  • Lead and contribute to design reviews, risk management, and technical governance
  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry and regulatory standards

Key Requirements

  • Proven experience in a senior or lead Systems Engineering role
  • Strong understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle (V-model)
  • Experience with requirements management and tools (e.g. DOORS, Jama, or similar)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence project outcomes
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

Desirable Skills

  • Background in defence, maritime, or other safety-critical industries
  • Experience with complex systems integration and delivery
  • Knowledge of modelling and simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB, Simulink, SysML)
  • Familiarity with configuration management, governance, and assurance processes
  • Chartered Engineer status or working towards it

What’s on Offer

  • Salary up to £75,000
  • Hybrid working options
  • Opportunity to lead on innovative, mission-critical defence programmes
  • Strong career progression and leadership opportunities

Principal System Engineer employer: Morson Talent

Join a leading organisation in the maritime and defence technology sector, where you will have the opportunity to work on innovative and mission-critical programmes. With a strong emphasis on hybrid working, a competitive salary of up to £75,000, and a culture that fosters professional growth and mentorship, this role as a Principal Systems Engineer offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact. You will be part of a collaborative team that values technical leadership and encourages career advancement in a dynamic industry.
Morson Talent

Contact Detail:

Morson Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal System Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and maritime sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with systems engineering projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've led teams and tackled complex challenges.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your technical leadership experience and how you’ve influenced project outcomes. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal System Engineer

Systems Engineering
Technical Leadership
Full Systems Engineering Lifecycle
Requirements Management
DOORS
Jama
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
System Integration
Verification and Validation
Design Reviews
Risk Management
Modelling and Simulation Tools
MATLAB
Simulink
SysML

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with systems engineering lifecycles and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about maritime and defence technology. Share specific examples of how you've influenced project outcomes or mentored others in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially with tools like DOORS or MATLAB. We’re looking for someone who can lead complex systems integration, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Talent

✨Know Your Systems Engineering Lifecycle

Make sure you’re well-versed in the full systems engineering lifecycle, especially the V-model. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in past projects and how it relates to the role you're applying for.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or influenced project outcomes in previous roles.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools

Brush up on your experience with requirements management tools like DOORS or Jama. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these tools to manage system requirements effectively.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference in project success.

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