Defence Systems Engineer - Lead Concept & Trade Studies

ALTEN; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define and develop complex defence systems from the earliest lifecycle stages. You will provide technical leadership, shape system-level solutions, and guide engineering teams through concept and development activities.

Location can be Stevenage or Bristol with an on-site requirement of 3 days per week, and 10+ years of experience. Candidates must be willing to obtain SC clearance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading systems engineering across complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of requirements development, management, and traceability throughout the system lifecycle.
• Experience supporting concept assessment and feasibility studies.
• Ability to analyse complex technical problems and make informed system-level decisions.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven technical leadership and mentoring capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and guide engineering teams through complex technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across concept and early lifecycle development.
• Define system solutions, requirements, and technical trade studies.
• Support technical decision-making and systems-level analysis.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand evolving operational requirements.
• Guide and mentor engineers within the wider systems team.
• Support design reviews and programme-level engineering activities.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Requirements management

Trade studies

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Cross-functional delivery

System architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Military technical background

Tools

IBM Rhapsody

Job description

ALTEN is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define and develop complex defence systems from the earliest lifecycle stages. You will provide technical leadership, shape system-level solutions, and guide engineering teams through concept and development activities.

Location can be Stevenage or Bristol with an on-site requirement of 3 days per week, and 10+ years of experience. Candidates must be willing to obtain SC clearance.