System Integration Engineer (System Engineer - Effector Development)

Arbeitnow; Zürich; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead system-level definition and development of effector programmes, bridging operational needs with technical execution across propulsion, structures, avionics, and seeker.

The role requires a defence systems background and experience across the full lifecycle from ConOps to subsystem qualification, with strong cross-disciplinary alignment and rigorous systems thinking. English fluency is required; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5-8 years of systems engineering experience on defence or weapons systems is preferred; aerospace or space launcher background is suitable.
• Proven experience defining and managing system requirements and interfaces across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on ConOps development, trade studies, and make-or-buy decision frameworks.
• Familiarity with SRR, PDR, and CDR processes and related documentation.
• Exposure to V&V planning and requirements traceability; knowledge of ARP4754, DEF STAN, MIL-STD or equivalents is advantageous.
• Solid understanding of at least one key effector subsystem domain (propulsion, structures, avionics, or guidance).
• Fluent in English; German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define and own system-level requirements for effector programmes and maintain traceability from ConOps to subsystem specifications.
• Develop and maintain ConOps and operational scenarios; align design with customer intent.
• Define and manage technical interfaces between subsystems; own the ICD and IRS documentation.
• Lead trade studies and make-or-buy analyses to identify best technical and commercial solutions.
• Identify critical components and subsystems; define mitigation strategies for technical risk.
• Lead or support system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and prepare baseline documentation.
• Coordinate system integration activities and ensure interfaces are closed and milestones met.
• Support verification and validation planning and define the V&V approach at system level.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

ConOps

Trade studies

V&V planning

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluent

German language

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace/Systems/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

The Destinus engineering team is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead the system-level definition and technical development of our effector programmes. This role sits at the centre of the development effort - bridging operational requirements and technical execution across propulsion, structures, avionics, and seeker.

The ideal candidate brings a defence systems background and understands the full development lifecycle of a guided effector - from ConOps and requirements through subsystem design, integration, and qualification. They are technically credible across multiple domains, rigorous in their systems thinking, and effective at driving alignment across disciplinary teams.

What You'll Do

• Define and own system-level requirements for effector programmes - capturing operational needs, translating them into technical requirements, and maintaining traceability from ConOps through to subsystem specifications
• Develop and maintain ConOps and operational scenario definitions; work with the customer and programme stakeholders to ensure operational intent is correctly reflected in the system design
• Define and manage technical interfaces between subsystems (propulsion, warhead/pyrotechnics, structures, avionics, guidance, and GSE); own the ICD and IRS documentation
• Lead trade studies and make-or-buy analyses to identify the best technical and commercial solutions at system and subsystem level
• Identify and track critical components and subsystems; define mitigation strategies for technical risk and drive resolution through the engineering team
• Lead or support system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and prepare the associated technical baseline documentation
• Coordinate system integration activities across propulsion, structures, avionics, and external teams; ensure interfaces are closed and integration milestones are met
• Support verification and validation planning; define the V&V approach at system level and ensure it flows down to subsystem test plans

Requirements

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 5-8 years of systems engineering experience on defence or weapons system programmes - rockets, missiles, or guided weapons are a strong advantage; a background in aerospace or space launcher development is also suitable
• Proven experience defining and managing system requirements and interfaces across multi-disciplinary teams in a defence acquisition or development environment
• Hands-on experience with ConOps development, trade studies, and make-or-buy decision frameworks
• Familiarity with system design review processes (SRR, PDR, CDR) and the associated technical documentation
• Experience with V&V planning and requirements traceability; exposure to relevant standards (e.g. ARP4754, DEF STAN, MIL-STD, or equivalent) is an advantage
• Solid understanding of at least one key effector subsystem domain - propulsion, structures, avionics, or guidance - with the breadth to work credibly across all of them
• Structured, rigorous, and delivery-focused - able to drive technical decisions without getting lost in analysis
• Fluent in English; German is an advantage