Digital Systems Engineer in Bristol

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

We’re hiring a Digital Systems Engineer to help shape and deliver our digital ship and digital systems strategy across current and future naval programmes. If you thrive on complex systems, smart data, and making advanced capability real—from architecture through integration—we’d like to hear from you.

What you’ll do:

• Own and evolve our digital ship strategy—onboard digital systems, autonomy enablers, data architecture, and integration with automation/IPMS.
• Define and manage digital systems architecture: edge computing, comms, data handling, and platform-wide digital infrastructure.
• Set practical standards and governance that scale across programmes.
• Lead definition, specification, and integration of onboard digital capabilities (networks, sensing, data fusion, interfaces to third-party systems).
• Develop and deliver digital twin scope and lifecycle use cases; support integration and verification with modelling/simulation teams and suppliers.
• Engage suppliers and partners—support evaluations, procurement input, and delivery management.
• Work with test and trial environments (COEX/LBTS) to plan, integrate, validate, and commission as required.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in digital systems engineering, autonomy and/or data-centric systems, edge computing, and complex systems integration.
• Confidence working across requirements, interfaces, V&V, configuration control, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with digital engineering / architecture tools (e.g., MBSE environments).
• Awareness of software integrity and cyber security requirements and standards (hands-on experience preferred).
• Digital twin / simulation / system modelling experience is highly desirable.
• Comfort collaborating with suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams; ability to guide others and share knowledge.
• Degree in Systems, Computer or Software Engineering (or equivalent). Chartered or working towards chartership is welcome.

Location: Bristol (with travel/overnight trips as required).

Sound like your kind of challenge? Apply now or message us to find out more about the role and the team.

Additional Information:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working, typically three days per week in the office
• Career development opportunities within a global organisation
• The chance to lead ILS activities on strategically important naval and government programmes
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace where expertise makes a direct impact
• Company pension
• 31 days holiday
• Life assurance

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.