At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop bespoke test systems for aerospace and defence industries.
- Company: Spherea is a global leader in complex test systems with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holidays, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that impact safety and technology on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with teams across Europe and beyond.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Systems Engineer (with Electrical and Electronics Hardware Experience)
Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.
Location: Bournemouth Airport Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent Department: Engineering
About Spherea
Spherea UK, part of the multinational Spherea Group, is a cross-industry provider of complex test systems and test consultancy. We work with leading aerospace and defence primes, airlines, operators, and MRO organisations, delivering complete test solutions across the entire product lifecycle.
With a heritage of over 50 years, we have developed solutions for commercial aircraft, helicopters, armoured military vehicles, battle tanks, space platforms, nuclear control systems and even rail systems.
Our mission is simple: to test the world—enabling our clients to validate, de-risk, and commercialise their technologies more rapidly and cost-effectively.
Our UK business, based in Bournemouth, supports customers across the UK and Northern Europe, with further offices in France, Germany, North America, India and China.
The Systems Engineer Role
We are seeking a Systems Engineer with disciplined in Electrical and & Electronic Engineering who thrives on solving complex problems, working on bespoke systems, and owning the product lifecycle—from concept through to delivery and support.
This cross-disciplinary role will involve a blend of system-level engineering, hardware / electrical and electronics design, and project execution. You will collaborate with customers, internal teams, and external partners to design, develop, and validate tailored test systems across a variety of critical industries.
This role is based in our Bournemouth office, with occasional travel to customer sites across the UK and visits to our French HQ / German Sites as needed.
Systems Engineer Key Responsibilities
You will be involved in all stages of the engineering lifecycle, including:
System Design & Architecture
* Design modular and bespoke test systems for Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors.
* Define system concepts, architecture, and technical feasibility with input from customers and stakeholders.
* Capture high-level and detailed requirements for systems and subsystems.
* Define and document internal and external interfaces.
Electronics & Electrical Hardware Engineering
* Design and develop electronic hardware (analogue/digital).
* Build high-reliability systems using high-speed technologies and COTS instruments.
* Support prototype development through to full-scale productisation and manufacturing.
* Perform hardware integration and commissioning.
Verification & Validation
* Define verification strategies, create test plans and procedures, and support system validation.
* Perform diagnostic and failure analysis using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and automated test platforms.
Project Support
* Participate in technical pre-sales (demonstrations, bid preparation).
* Support production teams and assist with in-service transitions.
* Contribute to project management and technical documentation.
* Engage in knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous improvement activities.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a multi-talented engineer with strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and a proactive mind set. You should be adaptable, entrepreneurial, and passionate about designing innovative technical solutions from the ground up.
Systems Engineer Essential Skills & Experience
* Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (or equivalent).
* Minimum 8 years of experience in hardware or systems engineering.
* Proven experience in analogue/digital electronics and electrical design.
* Experience with high-speed technologies and integration of COTS instruments.
* Strong understanding of full engineering lifecycle (V-model, EVM, etc.).
* Ability to manage technical projects and work independently or collaboratively.
* Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Desirable Skills:
* Software design and coding knowledge.
* Familiarity with communication protocols: A429, RS232/422/485, CAN, Ethernet, AFDX, I2C, SPI.
* Experience with automated test equipment and diagnostics tools.
* Understanding of adjacent engineering domains: control systems, power electronics, physics, electromechanics, or RF.
* Security clearance at SC level (or eligibility to obtain it).
Why Join Spherea?
At Spherea, you won’t be just another cog in the wheel. You’ll be deeply involved in shaping solutions for high-impact, safety & mission-critical systems. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative environment with the freedom to innovate, and the support to grow your skills and career.
Systems Engineer Benefits
· Competitive salary
· Annual performance bonus
· Generous pension scheme (4% employee / 8% employer)
· 27 days holiday + bank holidays
· Flexible/remote working options (post-qualifying period)
· Private healthcare plan – family cover
· Family Cash Plan – dental, optical & physio etc.
· Life Assurance & Income Protection
· Opportunities to travel and collaborate internationally (France, Germany & USA)
Systems Engineer employer: Spherea Test & Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Spherea Test & Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and tools mentioned in the job description, such as high-speed technologies and COTS instruments. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these during an interview will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with current employees at Spherea or similar companies. This can provide you with insider knowledge and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach in detail. Given the emphasis on complex problem-solving in the role, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled engineering challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Spherea's recent projects and innovations in the test systems field. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to align with their mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, particularly any relevant projects or roles that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and understanding of the engineering lifecycle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for designing innovative technical solutions. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Systems Engineer role, such as your work with high-speed technologies or project management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to analogue/digital electronics, hardware integration, and any familiarity with communication protocols. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the position.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to tackle complex problems. This could include specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you successfully resolved them.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spherea Test & Services Ltd
✨Understand the Engineering Lifecycle
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the full engineering lifecycle, especially the V-model and EVM. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these concepts in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the Systems Engineer position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex problems you've solved in past projects, particularly those involving electrical and electronic hardware. Highlight your thought process and the steps you took to arrive at a solution, as this will showcase your analytical skills and proactive mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies
Brush up on high-speed technologies and COTS instruments, as well as communication protocols like A429 and CAN. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the technical aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to electronics and electrical design. Review key concepts and be ready to explain your experience with analogue/digital electronics. This preparation will help you convey your qualifications effectively during the interview.