Lead Principal Systems Engineer

Thomas Search; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK defence technology contractor is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer in the Portsmouth area. This pivotal role involves leading a cross-technical team and shaping the strategy for innovative maritime solutions. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant technical discipline and have experience in systems engineering and networking. Previous maritime experience is preferred. Eligibility for UK security clearances is required.

Qualifications

• Degree level expertise in systems engineering or a similar discipline.
• Full professional membership of a relevant body or similar accreditation.
• Strong experience within Systems Engineering, Networks, and IT is preferable.
• Previous maritime experience would be an advantage.
• Understanding of the Technical Assurance process.
• Knowledge of computer network architectures and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-technical team of systems engineers.
• Implement strategy for department to meet customer needs.
• Work on simulations and tools for combat systems engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Networking

Technical Assurance understanding

Education

Degree in systems engineering, computer science, or similar

Full professional membership of a relevant body

Tools

Wireshark

Job description

Thomas Search has partnered with a leading UK defence technology contractor who is looking for a Principal Systems Engineers in the Portsmouth area. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to work across ground‑breaking maritime innovations and be part of a growing professional community.

As Lead Systems Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping and implementing the strategy to ensure the department offering is well positioned to meet customer needs going forward. You will also be responsible for leading a cross‑technical team of systems engineers, providing both day‑to‑day management and strategic technical leadership. You will work on simulations and tools that enable combat systems engineers to perform their roles effectively, combining hands‑on technical work with leadership responsibilities.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree level expertise encompassing systems engineering, computer science, physics or similar technical discipline with post degree experience (or equivalent).
• Full professional membership of a relevant body or similar accreditation.
• Strong experience within Systems Engineering, Networks, IT would be preferable
• Previous maritime experience would be an advantage.
• Understanding of the Technical Assurance process.
• Knowledge of computer network architectures, protocols and analysis including client/server, TCP/IP, UDP, NTP and Wireshark.

NB. Candidates must be eligible to obtain UK security clearances.