Overview
In this role you lead modelling, simulation and control activities to turn mission concepts into validated, field-ready unmanned systems. You’ll work across the full lifecycle, from requirements to field demonstrations, shaping high-fidelity models and flight-critical autonomy functions. You’ll mentor engineers and drive test activities from SIL/HIL to live flight trials, delivering capability that operates in demanding environments. The role offers hands-on leadership at the edge of unmanned systems engineering with a clear impact on real-world deployments.
Pay / Benefits
- Competitive Compensation Package
- 25 days Annual Leave + Public Holidays + option to buy / sell up to 5 days per year
- Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme with 2:1 matched contributions up to 10%
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health & Wellbeing Cash Plan
- Life Assurance & Group Income protection scheme participation
Responsibilities
- Lead modelling, simulation and control activities for complex unmanned systems to validate field-ready capability
- Design high-fidelity 6-DOF digital models representing dynamics and mission performance
- Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering to inform design decisions
- Develop, test, tune and deploy flight-critical control laws and autonomy functions
- Create resilient trajectory guidance, mission tasking, and GNSS-denied navigation algorithms
- Build integrated simulation environments combining dynamics, controls, sensors, and comms
- Support SIL, HIL, and full-scale testbed activities including Iron Bird
- Embed control and autonomy code onto embedded platforms
- Define onboard data interfaces (CAN, serial, Ethernet) and human control interfaces
- Support experimental flight testing, post-flight analysis and real-time data review
- Develop rapid analysis tools for UAS flight logs and debugging
- Diagnose and repair UAS onboard control systems in lab and field
- Review architectures, CONOPS and test scenarios; identify risks and mitigation
- Support export-controlled technologies including ITAR-related designs
- Mentor junior engineers through design, verification, validation and demonstrations
Key requirements
- Deep technical experience in modelling, simulation, flight controls or unmanned systems
- Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or equivalent experience
- Significant experience in aerospace/defense/robotics/autonomy/unmanned systems environments
- Expert MATLAB and Simulink experience
- Strong Stateflow experience for state-machine driven design
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink projects, requirements, version control, data dictionaries, test harnesses and model validation
- MATLAB/Simulink code generation for embedded deployment
- Experience integrating UAV flight control computers and autopilots
- Experience creating automated test data processing scripts and simulation model test harnesses
- Experience with SIL/HIL test design for 6-DOF models
- Experience with onboard data interfaces (CAN, serial, Ethernet)
- Experience with FMEA/FHA for unmanned systems; safety-related design considerations
- Experience integrating, testing or demonstrating UAS payloads, sensors, and datalinks
- Strong stakeholder-facing skills and ability to work under pressure
- Ability to obtain SC security clearance and travel internationally
- Experience in mentoring and leading modelling/simulation teams
- Stakeholder-facing communication
- Mentoring and team leadership
- Capable under pressure
- MATLAB
- Simulink
- Stateflow
Snr Principal Systems Engineer - Modelling & Simulation– Unmanned Systems in Winnersh employer: Raytheon
Raytheon UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Glenrothes where employees can thrive and contribute to cutting-edge defence and aerospace technology. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a culture that prioritises teamwork and innovation, we empower our Production Managers to lead impactful projects while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us to be part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of national security and fostering personal growth.
