At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering projects that shape the future of defence technology.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse roles and mentoring for your career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 3-5 years' experience in systems engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 72000 £ per year.
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Location: New Malden (hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 - £72,000
What’s Your Possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help shape the technology and solutions of tomorrow. As part of our team, you will contribute to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. This is what we call Defining Possible. This mindset powers our innovation, our impact, and your career development.
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in delivering Systems Engineering activities across key defence programmes. You will support the full engineering lifecycle, from understanding customer needs through to system design, integration, acceptance and delivery. You’ll work within our Defence Systems Engineering team, supporting programmes critical to UK national security, including multi-domain command and control systems used across the Royal Navy and internationally. Your expertise will directly influence technical quality, design assurance and programme success.
What You Will Do
- Lead, conduct and deliver Systems Engineering work packages across the project lifecycle.
- Produce and review technical documentation in line with programme schedules.
- Plan, prepare and deliver key design reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
- Manage technical aspects of suppliers, ensuring alignment with requirements and design baselines.
- Review technical documentation from customers and suppliers, providing challenge and assurance.
- Integrate effectively with Hardware, Mechanical, Software, V&V, ILS, Cybersecurity and Safety teams.
- Provide technical leadership to deliver work packages on time, to cost and quality.
- Support risk management, opportunity assessments, bids, proposals and estimation activities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 3–5 years’ experience in systems engineering within defence, maritime, aerospace or a regulated environment.
- Experience of system requirements, design, integration, acceptance and analysis.
- Knowledge of control systems, PLC/SCADA and operational technology.
- Experience with Model-Based Design and tools such as Enterprise Architect.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience in requirements management tools such as DOORS.
- Understanding of the marine environment, environmental standards and safety-related systems.
Preferred
- Knowledge of V&V activities including environmental and EMC testing.
- INCOSE ASE or CSEP accreditation.
If you feel inspired by the role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must meet the nationality and residency requirements for UK Security Check (SC) clearance. You must be able to gain and maintain SC clearance.
For questions, contact our recruitment team at talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working options, including a compressed fortnight with every other Friday off
- Private healthcare
- Cash health plan
- Holiday buy and sell options
- Career development, mentoring and professional training
- Performance-related bonuses
Why Join Us?
- A Mission to Believe In: Work on technology that protects national security and supports operations across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
- A Place to Belong and Thrive: Bring your authentic self to work and join an inclusive community supported by employee networks and partnerships across defence, engineering and wellbeing.
- Your Career, Your Way: Shape your career journey with diverse roles, structured development, mentoring and opportunities to grow your expertise.
Ready to Apply?
- Yes – Submit your application online.
- Possibly – Contact our team for more information: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
- Not right now – Explore other opportunities across Northrop Grumman UK. We are growing nationwide.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Principal Systems Engineer in New Malden employer: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will benefit from a flexible hybrid model, extensive mentorship opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of technology. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Northrop Grumman UK is committed to fostering a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer in New Malden
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Northrop Grumman for a Principal Systems Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer in New Malden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Northrop Grumman, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Northrop Grumman, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Northrop Grumman.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Northrop Grumman. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Northrop Grumman love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
