Junior Combat Systems Engineer

Thomas Search; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering contractor is seeking a Junior Systems Engineer in Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies while supporting the UK's Armed Forces. You will engage in core systems engineering tasks, develop your expertise, and work closely with project managers and multi-disciplinary teams. Essential qualifications include an Honours Degree in Engineering or Physics. Enjoy a permanent position working a 37-hour week within a specialized underwater technology facility.

Qualifications

• Experience in a relevant or aligned engineering, technical, IT, or systems environment.
• Some exposure to Test & Evaluation, Integration, or similar hands‑on technical activity.
• Equivalent practical experience or apprenticeship background valued.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute core systems engineering tasks across projects.
• Install, operate, and maintain the Test and Development System.
• Work with Shared Computing Environments for system integration.
• Help resolve on-site issues linked to trials planning.

Skills

Proactive approach

Technical reliability

Willingness to learn

Education

Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar

HNC/D Level qualification

Job description

Thomas Search has partnered with a leading defence engineering & technology contractor who is looking for a Junior Systems Engineer in Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to gain earlier career exposer to cutting edge technology and innovations in a beautiful part of the UK.

The Role

As a Junior Systems Engineer, you will have an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference to the UK's Armed Forces whilst growing your skills and knowledge in an area of Systems Engineering that deals with some the latest technologies being utilised by the Royal Navy.

Day-to-day, you’ll play an active part in the technical delivery that supports Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation activity. You’ll be involved in real project work from the outset, drawing on the experience of the wider technical community while steadily building your own confidence and capability.

This role is designed to help you grow, giving you the chance to develop deeper subject matter expertise across system, platform specialisms, or build your technical leadership skills as you progress. You’ll work closely with project managers and multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to meaningful engineering outcomes while learning from those around you.

This is a role where you'll be supported, trusted and encouraged to stretch yourself, with a clear pathway to grow your career in systems engineering.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting and executing core systems engineering tasks across a range of meaningful projects.
• Installing, operating and helping to maintain the Test and Development System.
• Working with Shared Computing Environments as part of system integration activity.
• Helping resolve on-site issues linked to trials planning and stakeholder communication.

Essential experience of the Systems Engineer:

• Experience in a relevant or aligned engineering, technical, IT, or systems environment.
• Some exposure to Test & Evaluation, Integration, or similar hands‑on technical activity.
• A proactive, trustworthy and reliable approach, with a clear drive to learn, develop and progress.

Essential qualifications & experience for the Systems Engineer:

• Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar. HNC/D Level qualification is acceptable if accompanied with appropriate experience.
• Equivalent practical experience, an apprenticeship background, or demonstrable hands‑on capability are equally valued.

NB: Applicants must be eligible to obtain UK security clearances.

This is a fully time permanent role working a 37‑hour week based at the BUTEC site (British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre) Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland.

BUTEC is a specialised facility focused on underwater testing and evaluation. It supports the development and assessment of various maritime systems including submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles and naval munitions. Working towards the advancement of underwater technology including innovations in sonar, navigation and communication systems in real‑world scenarios.