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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead combat systems integration for naval projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Dynamic defence engineering company in Southampton with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and international project exposure.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in maritime defence.
- Qualifications: Experience in maritime defence and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for training in France and occasional travel to exciting locations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A small but highly capable defence engineering company based in Southampton is seeking an early-career Combat Systems Engineer to join its expanding design team. The company delivers complex naval integration projects for both domestic and export customers, with two major programmes now entering a critical delivery phase.
This newly created role represents an excellent opportunity for a technically capable engineer with experience in the maritime defence domain to take ownership of key combat systems integration activities. The successful candidate will act as the sole permanent Combat Systems Integration Engineer, supported by two temporary subcontractors, and will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of combat systems on small-ship platforms.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Defence, the Combat Systems Engineer will manage the design, integration, and verification of naval combat systems, working closely with suppliers, software developers, and combat integrators. The position requires strong technical understanding, confidence working across disciplines, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate combat systems integration activities, supported by subcontractors.
- Manage requirements capture, system design, and verification in line with the V-model.
- Liaise with suppliers, software developers, and subcontracted integrators to ensure coherent system delivery.
- Produce and maintain system-level documentation, interface definitions, and design artefacts.
- Support verification, validation, and acceptance testing, including customer demonstrations and trials.
- Work collaboratively with design and software teams to align technical solutions with customer requirements.
Candidate Profile
This role is ideally suited to an early-career engineer with a couple of years of experience in the maritime defence sector, particularly within naval systems design or integration. The successful candidate will combine technical credibility with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams within a small but fast-moving environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable experience in the maritime defence sector (mandatory).
- Background in naval combat systems engineering or systems integration.
- Good understanding of system architectures, interfaces, and requirements management.
- Familiarity with the V-model or other structured systems engineering methodologies.
- Strong communication skills, comfortable engaging with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC).
Desirable
- Experience with small-ship combat systems or export naval programmes.
- Familiarity with OCEA or similar Excel-based tools.
- Understanding of DEF STANs or MoD engineering standards.
- Exposure to organisations such as Frazer-Nash, Thales, or BAE Systems.
Additional Information
- Initial training: up to 2 weeks in France (can be staggered).
- Travel: infrequent—approximately once every six months to export customers (South East Asia, Africa, South America, Eastern Europe etc).
- Working hours: 9–5 with flexibility.
- Hybrid working: 1–2 days per week from home.
- Location: Southampton, with occasional travel to the Isle of Wight.
- Start date: ideally February, to align with project handover.
Why Apply?
This position offers a unique opportunity to join a growing defence engineering business at a pivotal point in project delivery. The successful candidate will enjoy autonomy, technical variety, and exposure to international naval projects, while developing their expertise in combat systems integration within a collaborative, supportive environment.
Locations
Combat Systems Engineer employer: STR Group
Contact Detail:
STR Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Combat Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the maritime defence sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Combat Systems Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of naval combat systems. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the maritime defence sector! During interviews, share your experiences and projects that highlight your skills in systems integration. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Combat Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the maritime defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Combat Systems Engineer, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or roles you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about combat systems integration and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention any specific technical skills or methodologies you’re familiar with, like the V-model or systems engineering practices. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at STR Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of naval combat systems and integration processes. Familiarise yourself with the V-model and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in past projects. This will show that you’re not just a good fit technically, but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in the maritime defence sector. Talk about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to system design and integration. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical credibility.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to liaise with various stakeholders. This will help you stand out as someone who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the current projects they’re working on or how they approach collaboration with subcontractors. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.