Graduate Systems Engineer

Chess Dynamics Ltd; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK defence technology company is seeking a Graduate Systems Engineer in Horsham. The role involves collaboration on high-accuracy sensing systems and requires a 2:1 or above STEM degree. Candidates should have strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of system engineering principles. Benefits include a competitive package, personal development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive benefits including generous holidays

Pension contributions

Wellness initiatives

Gym membership discounts

Recruitment referral bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Strong academic understanding of system design lifecycle.
• Broad general appreciation of electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to derive, document, and model system requirements.
• Assist in developing system architecture and interface control documentation.
• Support verification and validation efforts including system testing.

Skills

System design lifecycle

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

2:1 or above honours degree in a relevant STEM discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Chess Dynamics is a leading UK defence technology company specialising in precision electro-optical, radar, and systems solutions for surveillance and fire control. Based in Horsham with multiple UK sites, we offer a supportive environment where innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration drive real-world defence applications.

Why Join Us as a Graduate Systems Engineer?

• Work alongside experienced engineers on high-accuracy sensing systems and electro-mechanical product lines.
• Participate in meaningful projects from requirements capture through testing and delivery.
• Thrive in a culture committed to training, personal development, and work/life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to derive, document, and model system requirements.
• Assist in developing system architecture, integration planning, interface control documentation, and adherence to standards.
• Support verification and validation efforts including system testing, fault diagnosis, and issue reporting.
• Generate engineering artefacts such as block diagrams, interface matrices, and traceability documentation.
• Resolve technical problems by liaising with electronic, mechanical, and software engineers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across system development and production support.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• 2:1 (or above) honours degree or master's in Systems Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related STEM discipline.
• Strong academic understanding of system design lifecycle
• Broad general appreciation of electrical, mechanical and software disciplines.
• Ability to work in a team to resolve technical problems, including identifying key stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with requirements management principles and relevant tools. Demonstrable understanding of a classical engineering development life cycle and systems engineering.
• Exposure to systems testing approaches, V-model lifecycle, or similar frameworks.
• Some experience with data analysis, MATLAB/Simulink, or scripting tools.

Personal Attributes

• Curiosity, attention to detail, and a methodical mindset.
• A passion for working in collaborative technical environments.
• Willingness to learn quickly, ask questions, and take on responsibility.
• Demonstrates an initiative and resourceful approach to resolving challenges

What We Offer

• Mentoring, and structured development to support early-career growth.
• Embedded professional development via real-world system-level projects.
• Competitive benefits: generous holidays, pension contributions, staff discounts, and wellness initiatives
• A workplace that values innovation, fresh ideas, and collective problem-solving

Work life balance:

• 37.5 hour working week
• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
• Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
• 28 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Holiday purchasing scheme

Benefits:

• Group pension plan - matched contributions up to 5%
• Income protection scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
• Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
• Regular sports and social activities
• Gym membership discounts
• Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme
• Excellent learning & development opportunities
• Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations

Security Clearance Requirements:

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.