At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead RF systems engineering, defining architectures and managing requirements across complex programmes.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering team in Essex with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to mentor junior engineers.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced engineering and work on innovative RF technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong systems engineering background in RF or complex electronic systems required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 95000 £ per year.
An advanced engineering team is looking to appoint a Lead RF Systems Engineer to take ownership of systems engineering across a number of complex, early-stage programmes. This is a high-impact role where you’ll sit at the centre of a multidisciplinary environment, bringing together electronics, mechanical, RF, and processing elements into coherent system architectures. You’ll be the focal point for requirements, system definition, and integration across projects that sit towards higher TRLs, moving towards demonstrator and real-world capability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading system architecture definition across RF-based programmes, from concept through to demonstrating
- Translating complex technical requirements into structured system-level artefacts, including requirements flow-down, interface definition, and verification planning
- Acting as the central link across multidisciplinary teams, bringing together hardware, firmware, software, and mechanical engineering
- Driving trade-off studies across performance, cost, and risk
- Owning requirements management, ensuring clarity, traceability, and delivery across the full lifecycle
- Supporting verification and validation (V&V), including test strategy and system-level assurance
- Working closely with engineering and project leadership to align technical delivery with programme milestones
- Engaging directly with stakeholders, presenting technical approaches and system roadmaps
- Mentoring junior engineers and supporting peer reviews, contributing to a strong engineering culture
Your Background
- Strong background in systems engineering within RF, radar, EW, or complex electronic systems
- Proven ability to define system architectures and manage requirements across the full lifecycle
- Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams (electronics, mechanical, software)
- Solid understanding of RF subsystems and/or broader electronic system design
- Track record supporting programmes through integration, testing, and validation
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills – able to bring clarity and direction across teams
- Comfortable operating autonomously and taking ownership of system delivery
- Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers
Desirable Experience
- Exposure to radar, electronic warfare, or sensing systems
- Familiarity with system modelling tools (e.g. MATLAB / Simulink)
- Experience working within structured systems engineering frameworks (e.g. DOORS, SysML)
- Background in developing systems from early-stage R&D through to demonstrator level
- Understanding of defence environments or complex regulated programmes
Senior System Engineer in Chelmsford employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
As a Senior System Engineer at our Essex location, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and professional growth. We offer competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and opportunities to mentor junior engineers, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to cutting-edge RF systems engineering projects. Join us to be part of a multidisciplinary team where your expertise will directly impact the success of complex programmes in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior System Engineer in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples that highlight your experience in systems engineering and RF technologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their challenges and think about how your expertise can help. This will not only impress them but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior System Engineer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior System Engineer role. Highlight your experience in RF systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex requirements.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in systems engineering and RF subsystems. We love seeing candidates who can clearly articulate their expertise and how it applies to our projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles, especially in RF and complex electronic systems. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in defining system architectures and managing requirements, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Multidisciplinary Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work across various engineering disciplines. Think about times when you acted as a central link between hardware, firmware, software, and mechanical teams, and be ready to share how you facilitated communication and integration.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Engagement Expertise
Since this role involves engaging with stakeholders, practice articulating your technical approaches clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've presented system roadmaps or technical strategies in the past, ensuring you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Mentoring Experiences
As mentoring junior engineers is part of the job, think about your previous mentoring experiences. Be prepared to share how you've supported others in their development and contributed to a positive engineering culture, showcasing your leadership skills.
