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- Tasks: Support the SATCOM team in developing and managing architecture baselines for critical systems.
- Company: Thorn SDS, a niche Managed Service Provider in Defence and Space sectors.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, health cashback, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a trusted partner and influence high-profile national programmes in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems architecture, SATCOM knowledge, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Long-term stability with excellent career growth and supportive leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who is committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors. We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to provide specialist architecture support within the SATCOM team. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, maintaining, and governing the Programme Architecture Baselines, enabling the effective evolution of SATCOM capabilities from current (As-Is) systems toward future (To-Be) solutions. This is a long-term opportunity supporting major defence programme areas, contributing directly to the technical coherence and engineering governance of critical SATCOM systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the SATCOM Team within the Authority.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of the Architecture Roadmap, defining the evolution from As-Is to To-Be architectures.
- Develop, update, and manage the Programme System Architecture, ensuring alignment across stakeholders and engineering domains.
- Capture, manage, and maintain authoritative Architecture Baselines within the designated repository, ensuring configuration control and technical coherence.
- Liaise with technical and non-technical stakeholders to communicate architectural intent, dependencies, and design decisions.
- Apply recognised architecture frameworks, modelling approaches, and systems engineering principles across all activities.
Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable experience developing architecture baselines, including the management of system interfaces and interdependencies.
- Proven ability to use Use Cases to translate user needs into clear and understandable system functionality.
- Experience applying technical architecture processes in the development of complex systems.
- Knowledge of Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems.
- Strong experience with the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF).
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical detail for diverse stakeholders.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Proven experience of working in a Defence environment.
- Understanding of Defence ways of working (e.g., KiD, GEAR).
- Experience with architecture tooling such as Sparx EA, BizzDesign (preferred).
- Familiarity with architecture modelling languages (e.g., ArchiMate – preferred, UML, SysML).
- Understanding of the full Systems Engineering life-cycle (e.g., INCOSE, ISO/IEC 15288).
- Experience in developing Service Architectures and solution-level architectural products.
Why Join Thorn SDS?
Thorn SDS is a trusted technical partner across Defence and Space sectors, offering a collaborative environment, supportive leadership, and opportunities to contribute to high-profile national programmes. This role provides long-term stability, professional development, and the chance to influence critical SATCOM capabilities.
Benefits
- 25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Employer Pension Contributions
- Group Life Insurance
- Dental Cashback Plan
- Health Cashback Plan
- Well-being Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits)
- Thorn Well-being Support Contribution
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities
If you have the expertise to support this requirement and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today! All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, National Security Clearance.
Systems Engineer employer: Thorn SDS Ltd
Contact Detail:
Thorn SDS Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working at Thorn SDS or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your SATCOM knowledge and architecture frameworks. We want you to showcase your expertise, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it’ll impress both technical and non-technical stakeholders!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with architecture tooling and modelling languages during interviews. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on skills and how they’ve applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Thorn SDS and contributing to our mission in the Defence and Space sectors.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with architecture baselines and SATCOM systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant frameworks like NATO Architecture Framework.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills align with the key responsibilities. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your ability to translate complex concepts into simple terms in your application materials.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn SDS Ltd
✨Know Your Architecture Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the NATO Architecture Framework and any other relevant architecture frameworks before your interview. Being able to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past projects will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can also implement it effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Since the role involves liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully communicated architectural intent or design decisions to diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Systems Engineering Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the full Systems Engineering life-cycle and how you've contributed to it in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with architecture tooling like Sparx EA or BizzDesign, as this will demonstrate your hands-on capability in managing system interfaces and interdependencies.
✨Prepare for Use Case Discussions
Since translating user needs into system functionality is key, come ready with examples of how you've developed use cases in the past. This will help you illustrate your ability to capture and manage architecture baselines effectively, which is crucial for the role.