Systems Engineer / Systems Integrator – Mission Systems (Junior to Principal) in Newport

We're hiring Systems Engineers and Systems Integrators at all levels to join our mission-focused engineering team in Bristol, UK. These roles suit people who enjoy hands-on engineering, rapid integration, and delivering robust systems into demanding environments. We operate a hybrid model, typically around three days a week in the office, and welcome applicants within a commutable distance of Bristol.

At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in situations where decisions must be made quickly. Our work combines modern engineering practice with high-performance commercial technology to deliver reliable, mission-critical solutions.

As we grow, we're looking to grow our team of engineers who specialise in systems engineering and systems integration. You'll work across diverse capabilities and tech domains, playing a pivotal role in designing and delivering sophisticated, high-stakes systems and working closely with colleagues who share a practical, delivery-driven mindset.

Below is an outline of the levels we're hiring for:

• Junior Systems Engineers and Systems Integrators
  Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 dependant on experience
  If you've got a couple of years of experience and are keen for change, this could be your next step. At Rowden, junior engineers don't just sit on the sidelines. You'll work directly on system components, build prototypes, and support integration activities. Expect a mix of design, testing, and hands-on engineering across areas such as sensor integration, tactical networks, and uncrewed systems. You'll learn quickly and contribute to operational deployments early in your time with us.
• Mid-Level Systems Engineers and Systems Integrators
  Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 dependant on experience
  If you're a mid-level engineer or integrator, you're ready to deepen your impact and tackle broader technical challenges. At Rowden, you'll take ownership of key system elements, lead integration tasks, and support architecture development. Your role spans design, analysis, integration, and delivery of systems into service, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and robust, real-world solutions.
• Senior Systems Engineers and Systems Integrators
  Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 dependant on experience
  If you're an experienced systems engineer or integrator ready to lead and inspire, Rowden offers you the chance to shape the direction of our most complex projects. As a senior, you'll architect end-to-end solutions, oversee technical delivery, and provide strategic guidance across multiple programs. You'll mentor and develop the next generation of engineers while fostering collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.
• Principal Systems Engineers and Integrators
  Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 dependant on experience
  If you're an experienced systems engineer or integrator ready to take on larger technical responsibility, the Principal role lets you own major parts of a programme while remaining deeply hands-on. Principals lead the design and delivery of key system elements, drive integration plans, and become the technical go-to for the area they own.
• Senior Principal Systems Engineers and Integrators
  Salary: £85,000 + dependant on experience
  As a Principal at Rowden, you could be the technical lead for our largest and most ambitious programs, orchestrating solutions across both technical and programmatic boundaries, leading critical, high-risk areas of development and deployment or spearheading the technical direction of new opportunities alongside our sales team.

Key Skills & Experience
We're looking for engineers who thrive on hands-on systems design, rapid integration, and real-world experimentation. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned expert, we value broad engineering insight and a questioning, delivery-focused mindset above all. Key skills, shaped by your experience could include:

• Translating user needs and CONOPS into system requirements
• Applying systems engineering lifecycles in varied contexts
• Designing, building, and deploying systems into operational settings
• Assessing trade-offs and explaining decisions clearly
• Reviewing technical work and identifying key risks
• Ensuring solutions meet safety, security, and environmental standards
• Communicating complex ideas in plain language
• Staying adaptable, curious, and hands-on

Highly Desirable Skills and Experience:
These are helpful, not essential:

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in relevant STEM subject.
• Knowledge of Government engineering and procurement.
• Knowledge of Agile development lifecycles and model-based systems engineering approaches.
• Knowledge of one or more of: SysML, Enterprise Architect, Tactical networked C4ISR systems, Autonomous platforms, Cloud technologies, Machine learning, Safety and security assurance.

What's In it for You?
You'll work with capable colleagues on practical engineering problems that matter. Our culture values clarity, pace, and purposeful decision-making. We focus on user needs, rely on open communication, and support each other during intense delivery phases. At Rowden, you'll gain access to strong mentorship, rapid learning opportunities, and meaningful responsibility.

We care about balance as well as performance – purpose and wellbeing go together. Making a real difference for our end users often means embracing periods of heightened activity, where our collective effort and focus are crucial to delivering game-changing capability to those who need it most. We are proud of the impact we make, but we're equally committed to ensuring our culture never becomes solely about work.

Our Mission
We're building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems and products that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital.

Working at Rowden
We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are! We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!

What matters to us?
Our focus is on the end user. We exist to deliver the best possible outcomes for the users of our systems. Pace matters. The problems we solve are urgent. Our diverse skills and backgrounds make us better. Our team prides itself on being inclusive and multidisciplinary. We are radically honest. Saying what we mean, even when it isn't easy. We are pragmatists. We provide realistic, focused solutions that get to the point. We improve continuously. We are relentless in our drive to make things better.