Principal Systems Engineer in Templecombe

Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom

Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. We offer opportunities to learn and develop your career with us. Thales UK researches, develops, and supplies technology and services that impact lives and keep us safer. We innovate across Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. We support a flexible pattern where possible to suit your lifestyle (part-time, job sharing, home working, or flexed start/finish times).

Primary Purpose of the Role

Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensor systems and decision superiority, helping navies across the globe keep the world, our friends, our families and all of us safe. In Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW), we deploy large numbers of sensors on submarines to locate and provide data about other submarines and objects. Our world-leading sonar technology is used across the UK submarine fleet. The primary purpose of this role is to manage the Systems Engineering Process to company and international standards for a major project, including significant team management responsibility to direct a team of engineers through requirements management definition, design, implementation and validation until delivery of the system. You must be able to provide systems engineering decision authority.

Principal Relationships

As part of the Thales Systems Engineering process you will interact with the following key roles:

• Engineers at all levels
• Bid team members
• Project team members
• Testing team members
• Installation team members
• Project Planners
• Sales and Marketing
• Supply Chain
• Commercial
• Major Stakeholders / Client

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The list below is not exhaustive, nor will individuals be expected to undertake all of them. They are given as a guide as to the expected duties of the grade.

• Develop and manage requirements specifications at both the system and subsystem levels.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the development lifecycle and lifecycle products.
• Interface with clients to define the content and format of test specifications.
• Define and authorise test specifications.
• Conduct impact analysis and manage variations.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and resolve related issues.
• Define and authorize design descriptions and verification requirements.
• Provide technical advice to the Engineering Group Manager on technical matters and management issues pertinent to the Systems Engineering Group.
• Offer technical direction and leadership to the Systems Engineering community.
• Engage with key stakeholders effectively.
• Establish and maintain a structured Systems Engineering process and activities.
• Provide detailed technical specifications.
• Offer assistance and guidance to Project Systems Engineers regarding their responsibilities and design decisions.
• Prepare resource plans and budgets for the Systems Engineering Group, managing the budget to ensure project objectives are met within financial constraints.
• Approve estimates for project activities and manage the Systems Engineering Group to ensure work is completed on time and within budget.
• Develop and train Systems Engineering personnel to ensure a qualified staff is available to perform and lead the design and requirements development for projects and products, including acceptance requirements.
• Represent the Systems Engineering Group on the change control committee, reviewing change proposals and approving Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) on behalf of the engineering department.
• Stay informed of technical developments both within and outside of the company.
• Identify training, development, and performance needs through the Annual Check-in and Development Check-in processes for the Systems Engineering community under your supervision.
• Assist the Engineering Group Manager in strengthening the engineering capabilities of the team.

Key Performance Indicators

This role is continually monitored for performance and typical KPIs include:

• Financial performance of the Systems Engineering team under your control.
• Timely delivery of team objectives, appraisals and development actions.
• Quality of work produced against agreed standards.
• Delivery to timescales.
• Delivery to budget.
• Performance against Thales values.

Expected Competence Level

Skills:

• Able to use a range of IT tools.
• Has a sound ability to use System Engineering tools (e.g. DOORS, Polarion, MBSE, JIRA etc.).
• Has knowledge of configuration control processes.
• Can manage a complex project through a defined design process and tailor CHORUS2 to project needs.
• Can define and use metrics as part of quality assurance and control change to remodel a System Engineering process.
• A working knowledge of project plans.
• Has knowledge of Engineering Safety Management.

Experience

The Principal Systems Engineer is the technical focal point for the System Engineering process and must be able to resolve issues, problems, questions and conflicts throughout the system. This requires handling new and unusual issues with a proven record of working in a Systems Engineering Management function. The post holder should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels in spoken and written form. Self-motivation, good appearance, and ability to work under pressure are vital. Evidence of team working is required due to the collaborative nature of the Systems Engineering job family.

Values & Behaviours

We expect accountability and clear behaviours across Think Big, Make It Happen, and Together. Each has two streams, detailed below.

• Think Big: Imagine the Future: design new, different and simplified solutions to address tomorrow’s needs. Inspire to Engage: share a compelling vision and engage stakeholders.
• Make It Happen: Deliver User-centric Solutions: create value for client and Thales. Act with Agility: challenge the status quo and foster continuous improvement.
• Together: Grow Others and Self: develop self and others to maximise potential. Include Others: empower others and embrace diversity to achieve goals.

We want a safe and positive environment for all to grow, share knowledge and support each other, so we can work at our best and be proud of our achievements.

Desirable Qualifications and Certification

HND/Engineering Degree or equivalent.

Essential

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. Please see the following for more information: UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK Have attained or are working towards an appropriate professional status (CEng) or equivalent. Please note, we are not able to consider any person who holds dual citizenship.

Financial / Budgetary Responsibility

The post holder will be expected to deliver designs/projects to an agreed budget.

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For details, refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

Thales UK promotes CAREERS, mobility, and flexible working. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and provide reasonable adjustments for neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition. To request an adjustment or for questions about the recruitment process, contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles. Great journeys start here, apply now!