Lead Systems Engineer – Defence & Critical Infrastructure

AtkinsRéalis Group; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead critical defence, nuclear and infrastructure programmes across the UK. You will direct systems engineering activities, shape architecture across lifecycle stages, and mentor engineers while collaborating with senior client stakeholders.

You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams, apply digital engineering and ensure technical assurance, all within a hybrid working environment and flexible delivery model.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in a relevant STEM discipline, or equivalent experience, with CEng, CSEP or equivalent professional recognition.
• Significant systems engineering experience in complex defence, nuclear, aerospace, energy or infrastructure programmes.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering lifecycles, requirements, architecture, integration, V&V and technical assurance.
• Proven technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of programme delivery, including risk, cost, schedule and commercial factors.
• Experience within UK Defence, Nuclear or Government environments, with knowledge of MOD acquisition and KiD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application and tailoring of systems engineering principles, processes and standards across complex programmes and portfolios.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across the engineering lifecycle, supporting critical decisions and delivery outcomes.
• Lead requirements engineering, architecture development, integration, verification and validation of complex systems and system-of-systems solutions.
• Apply systems thinking, engineering judgement and appropriate lifecycle approaches to manage technical complexity, risk and delivery objectives.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and technical workstreams, providing direction, mentoring and support to engineers at all levels.
• Support the effective use of digital engineering and modelling approaches to improve understanding, communication and decision‑making.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders, acting as a senior technical advisor and supporting business growth activities.
• Contribute to Systems Engineering capability development through mentoring, knowledge sharing and application of the KiD.

Skills

Systems engineering

Engineering leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

MOD acquisition

Digital engineering

Education

STEM degree + CEng/CSEP

Tools

KiD framework

SysML

MODAF

ISO 15288

TOGAF

Job description

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead critical defence, nuclear and infrastructure programmes across the UK. You will direct systems engineering activities, shape architecture across lifecycle stages, and mentor engineers while collaborating with senior client stakeholders.

You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams, apply digital engineering and ensure technical assurance, all within a hybrid working environment and flexible delivery model.