Lead Systems Engineer | Defence Radar Systems

ALTEN; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer for a defense program in Edinburgh, focusing on next-gen radar and targeting systems. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in systems engineering within aerospace or defense, complemented by leadership experience. This role involves technical leadership, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting customer engagement. Join a company that values innovation and offers growth opportunities.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Personalised career development plans

Regular team gatherings and social events

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a lead role, particularly in systems engineering for defense or aerospace.
• Understanding of system architecture, integration, and V&V methodologies.
• Eligible for UK SC Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities including system architecture, design, and integration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for operational needs.
• Manage engineering lifecycle activities including design reviews.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Systems engineering

Technical specifications

Communication skills

Engineering lifecycle management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow's world-today.

Job Description

Take the lead in driving next-generation airborne radar and advanced targeting systems. Join a world-class defence programme focused on next-gen sensor and surveillance technologies in a highly collaborative environment. You'll provide technical leadership and engineering expertise across complex system integration and lifecycle activities.
This hands-on, on-site role involves working closely with project managers, customers, and end users to shape solutions. Be a key player in delivering innovative, mission-critical radar capabilities with a global reach.

Location: Edinburgh
Clearance: Must be SC Clearable (UK Passport or long-term residency required)
Experience Level: Lead/Senior level (8+ years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead systems engineering activities including system architecture, design, and integration
• Develop and maintain technical specifications and compliance documentation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system performance meets operational needs
• Guide verification & validation (V&V) processes to ensure system reliability and quality
• Manage engineering lifecycle activities including design reviews and configuration control
• Support customer and stakeholder engagement through technical expertise and solution delivery

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in engineering leadership and managing multidiscipline teams
• Strong technical skills in systems engineering for complex defence or aerospace systems
• Deep understanding of system architecture, integration, and V&V methodologies
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with technical teams and customers
• Experience with engineering lifecycle management and compliance processes
• Pragmatic and solution-focused with a commitment to continuous improvement

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering
  OR
• A highly relevant technical background from UK Armed Forces working on Radar technologies
• Must be eligible for UK SC Security Clearance (Minimum 5 Years in the UK)

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with radar, sensor, or surveillance system technologies
• Familiarity with platform integration and operational testing
• Knowledge of safety-critical systems and standards

Additional Information

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

Videos To Watch
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