Principal or Senior Systems Engineer in Bristol

Help shape next‑generation ship designs. You’ll lead systems engineering across requirements, architecture, configuration and V&V—turning complex stakeholder needs into clear, traceable engineering evidence from concept through acceptance.

What you’ll do

• Own end‑to‑end requirements capture and management—validated, traceable and maintained through the lifecycle.
• Set the systems engineering approach (SEMP), governance and lifecycle strategy for complex naval programmes.
• Define and lead the Verification & Validation strategy, methods and acceptance criteria.
• Lead development and control of system/subsystem specifications and interface definitions.
• Create and govern architecture modelling (use cases, functional/logical/physical architectures, behaviour and data flows).
• Strengthen configuration and traceability in the PLM environment (Siemens Teamcentre) across requirements, architectures and V&V artefacts.
• Build compliance evidence against naval ship rules, legislation and international standards.
• Provide technical leadership—mentor others and steer decisions with internal and external stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

• Strong, hands‑on systems engineering experience in naval/marine (or similarly regulated, safety/assurance‑led environments).
• Confidence owning architecture, requirements, interfaces, configuration control and change management.
• MBSE experience (and a pragmatic approach to modelling for decision support).
• Comfort working across disciplines and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Degree in Systems/Electrical/Control Engineering (or related).
• Master’s and/or INCOSE CSEP/ESEP (or equivalent) is a plus.
• Exposure to digital technologies (automation, autonomy, digital twins, AI, predictive diagnostics, smart maintenance) is welcome.
• Ability to complete BPSS security checks; eligibility for SC clearance may be required depending on project.

Working pattern

Standard office environment in Bristol, with occasional travel/overnight stays depending on programme needs.

What We Offer

• 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.