Principal System Engineer

Job description

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer

Location: London (Hybrid working available)

Salary: Up to £75,000

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to play a key role in delivering advanced maritime and defence technology solutions. The organisation specialises in the development of sophisticated sonar and anti-submarine warfare systems that support naval operations globally.

This is a senior position requiring strong technical leadership and a deep understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle. You will drive systems engineering activities across complex, high-integrity projects while mentoring junior engineers and influencing technical direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full project lifecycle (concept, development, integration, verification, and in-service support)
• Own and manage system requirements, ensuring traceability and alignment with customer needs
• Define system architectures and support high-level and detailed design decisions
• Oversee system integration, verification, and validation strategies
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers
• Act as a key interface between engineering disciplines, stakeholders, and customers
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, risk management, and technical governance
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry and regulatory standards

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior or lead Systems Engineering role
• Strong understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle (V-model)
• Experience with requirements management and tools (e.g. DOORS, Jama, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence project outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

Desirable Skills

• Background in defence, maritime, or other safety-critical industries
• Experience with complex systems integration and delivery
• Knowledge of modelling and simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB, Simulink, SysML)
• Familiarity with configuration management, governance, and assurance processes
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £75,000
• Hybrid working options
• Opportunity to lead on innovative, mission-critical defence programmes
• Strong career progression and leadership opportunities

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

22-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English