Senior Systems Engineer

Our client is an early-stage aerospace and defence organisation. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in taking a defined concept through detailed design, development and testing, using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to create a coherent, traceable and integrated flight vehicle.

This permanent opportunity offers significant technical influence within a small, senior engineering team. You will work closely with technical leadership, specialist engineering disciplines, suppliers and external stakeholders, taking ownership of key system-level decisions throughout a multi-year development programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Translating the concept of operations into structured, traceable system requirements using Model Based Systems Engineering principles
• Owning the vehicle architecture, system definition and subsystem interface specification
• Leading system-level trade studies, balancing performance, mass, cost, reliability, manufacturability and schedule
• Maintaining system budgets covering mass, power, cost and reliability throughout the design cycle
• Defining the verification and validation strategy, including the evidence required and the appropriate stage and method of verification
• Integrating aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, guidance, navigation and control, avionics and other specialist disciplines into a coherent system
• Managing technical interfaces with bought-in subsystems and suppliers, including propulsion, seekers and actuation systems
• Supporting demonstrator definition, flight testing, range trials, test facilities and technical engagement with customers, partners and universities

Job Requirements

• Degree or higher qualification in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline
• Significant systems engineering experience gained on complex air vehicles, guided weapon systems, missiles, UAVs or comparable safety- and performance-critical products
• Strong practical knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering, requirements management, architecture development and traceability
• Demonstrable ownership of whole-product requirements, system architecture and interface definition
• Experience leading system-level trade studies and managing technical budgets through a design and development cycle
• Working knowledge across at least two areas including aerodynamics and performance, propulsion integration, guidance, navigation and control, structures or avionics
• Experience taking a product from concept through to hardware development and testing
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively from first principles

Desirable Experience

• Background on a missile, guided weapon or UAV programme
• Understanding of guidance, navigation and control, including control authority, actuation and centre-of-gravity considerations
• Experience with design for manufacture, unit cost management and production-focused engineering decisions
• Knowledge of flight testing, range trials or associated safety case activities
• Exposure to MOD or allied defence procurement, Technology Readiness Levels and defence documentation standards
• Experience working in a defence, government or early-stage technology environment

Additional Requirements

• Right to work in the UK
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance; current clearance is not essential
• High standards of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive defence-related work
• A pragmatic approach to balancing technical performance, cost, manufacturability and schedule

Benefits

• Opportunity to influence the development of an advanced aerospace and defence product from an early stage
• Significant autonomy and direct responsibility for technical outcomes
• Close collaboration with technical leadership within a highly experienced engineering team
• Long-term involvement in a fully funded, multi-year development programme
• Potential equity participation and a comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to shape engineering processes and culture within a growing organisation

If you are an experienced Systems Engineer with expertise in Model Based Systems Engineering and a passion for developing advanced defence technologies, our client would be pleased to hear from you.

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