Lead Systems Engineer

Airbus S.A.S.; Todmorden; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Contributory pension

Share options

Car leasing scheme

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space Limited is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer for the Portsmouth area, with UK Eyes Only SC security clearance or the ability to obtain. The role involves leading MBSE activities across space, ground, and control segments, supporting UK MOD tender opportunities, and guiding architecture decisions.

You will work under the Head of Systems Engineering, reporting to senior leadership, and contribute to future Milsatcom programmes while fostering growth within the team and

Qualifications

• Experience of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and appropriate tools.
• Working understanding of portfolios in terms of satellite platforms and payloads, satellite control, mission control, network control.
• Passionate about shaping the technology direction and helping colleagues to grow their technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Requirements capture and definition from stakeholder needs through to sub-systems; ownership of traceability and with Engineering Leads and Partners to define the segment and associated sub-system architectures via integrated Working Groups
• Systems Engineering and project management inputs as required - to support planning, schedule, and cost activities
• Inform stakeholders on progress and problem resolution, alongside technical proposal inputs

Skills

MBSE

System architecture

Satellite systems

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer

2026-10-19T00:00:00

Location: Todmorden, West Yorkshire, GB, OL14 7, Any

Employer: Airbus Defence and Space

Application Deadline: 2026-11-17T10:00:35.3

Job Description

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must have or be able to obtain UK Eyes Only SC Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional UK travel, mainly to Stevenage

LOCATION: Portsmouth

TYPE: Full time

What’s in it for you

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

About the Role

Our world is changing, and so is the mission to protect it. At Airbus, we pioneer for a safe and united world. That means developing cutting-edge sustainable aircraft, and it also means creating the technology that safeguards the sovereignty of nations and the digital space. Your work here defends what matters. So, what's your next mission?

Depending on you, the career progression for this role can be Company Expert or Chief Engineer.

Are you passionate about satellite communications? Love supporting the direction of technical approaches and technical challenges within projects? Enjoy supporting your colleagues and aspiring to be the "Go-To" technical person within the team? Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)? Then we have the role for you!

As a Lead Systems Engineer, you will be working on Military Satellite Communications (Milsatcom) alongside a team of Lead Systems Engineers and Architects. Reporting directly to the Head of Systems Engineering, you will provide the system architecture definition for the pending tender opportunities with the UK MOD (Skynet Enduring Capability) and other Milsatcom programmes - covering the space, control, and ground segments. This is a great opportunity to be part of diversified programmes that are looking at the future.

How You Will Contribute to the Team

• Requirements capture and definition from stakeholder needs through to sub-systems; ownership of traceability and with Engineering Leads and Partners to define the segment and associated sub-system architectures via integrated Working Groups
• Systems Engineering and project management inputs as required - to support planning, schedule, and cost activities
• Inform stakeholders on progress and problem resolution, alongside technical proposal inputs

About You

• Experience of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and appropriate tools
• Working understanding of portfolios in terms of satellite platforms and payloads, satellite control, mission control, network control
• Passionate about shaping the technology direction and helping colleagues to grow their technical knowledge
• No need to worry if you don’t match 100%! Airbus supports your personal growth with customized development solutions.

How We Can Support You

Many of our staff work flexibly in different ways, including part-time. Please discuss your flexibility needs at the interview, and we'll do our best to accommodate. Also, let us know if you need any adjustments during the selection process — you can share these with your Talent Acquisition Partner. Examples include accessible facilities, auxiliary aids, room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be kept confidential.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK offers an interview to any applicant who considers themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role. To opt‑in, select the option during your application, and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.

This job requires awareness of potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the company's success, reputation, and sustainable growth.

Additional Information

• Company: Airbus Defence and Space Limited
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Experience Level: Professional
• Job Family: Chief Engineering & Architecture

By submitting your CV or application, you agree to Airbus storing and using your information for monitoring purposes related to your application or future employment. Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications regardless of social or cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We do not ask for monetary exchanges during recruitment, and any impersonation should be reported.

We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is committed to equal opportunities for all.

Summary

Location: Portsmouth

Type: Full time

Posted in: United Kingdom

Requisition: JR Posting ID: 10943eb82e ae06b7f