Senior Systems Engineer in Maidenhead

Powering Decision Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield, find your place in the future of defense.

Cyber Business Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key‑management solutions that facilitate the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic levels. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

Job Description The Ultra Engineering function manages a portfolio of specialist capabilities, generating highly differentiated solutions and products by applying electronic, mechanical and software technologies in demanding and critical environments to meet customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to and support the Systems discipline lead in all Systems‑assigned work packages, delivering obligations on time and within budget.
• Develop technical solutions to large and complex engineering problems following Systems Engineering processes to satisfy customer requirements.
• Create and maintain Systems Engineering artefacts throughout the product development life‑cycle to achieve positive project outcomes.
• Contribute to the design, development and delivery of Systems Engineering artefacts for one or more projects, ensuring high‑quality deliverables.
• Provide technical direction and influence across projects, selecting optimal architecture, design and implementation approaches.
• Collaborate with system hardware, firmware and software architects to ensure consistent, modular design and re‑use.
• Plan, coordinate and present at internal and external design reviews for senior management and customers.
• Lead defined project aspects to balance requirements, schedule and cost.
• Manage customers and external suppliers, ensuring compliance with agreed processes and project objectives.
• Review technical proposals, provide accurate effort cost estimates and risk assessments for bids and proposals.
• Work with project management and engineering leads to develop cost‑effective proposals and increase margin.
• Estimate time and effort for system activities, delivering accurate estimates to maintain cost and schedule adherence.
• Sign off significant technical documents and support chairs in technical reviews of major deliverables.
• Explain technically complex concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Manage information security as defined in the Security Manual, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
• Offer value‑added improvements to the Systems discipline.
• Develop subject‑matter expertise, becoming the recognised company expert in a specific technical area.

Role Requirements

Essential: Has or gains and maintains SC security clearance.

Desirable: Willing and eligible to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.

Qualifications / Skills Required

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or suitable Defence/Aerospace industry experience.
• Significant experience with the V‑Model and associated Systems Engineering processes/ lifecycles.
• Experience developing high‑quality requirements and fully compliant systems design.
• Proficiency in writing high‑quality technical documentation and formal technical review.
• Substantial knowledge of Systems Engineering practices, methodologies, processes and technology trends.
• Experience with DOORS, UML, SEBoK, Enterprise Architect and SysML.
• Hands‑on experience developing hardware, software or firmware in embedded environments.

Desirable:

• INCOSE recognition (ASEP or CSEP).
• Technical management experience of a team of Systems engineers.
• Experience as a technical Subject Matter Expert and developing new areas of expertise.

Notice Due to the nature of the programs we deliver, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export‑controlled material. Applicants must obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Candidates must be a British citizen with at least five years of residence in the UK to apply for SC clearance (ten years for DV).

Our Benefits

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4× Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1 pm finish on Fridays
• Flexible benefits including cycle‑to‑work scheme and other options
• Security Clearance Allowance where relevant and subject to holding the required clearance

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Ultra I&C we are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible.