Principal Electrical Engineer

Morson Talent; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Optional 9-day fortnight

Flexible hours

25 days holiday + Christmas shutdown

Private healthcare options

Competitive pension contribution

Job summary

A leading engineering organisation in the United Kingdom seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the design of complex electronic systems for maritime defence. This senior role includes technical delivery and leadership, along with mentoring engineers. Key qualifications include experience in complex electronic design, strong PCB design background, and a degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering. The position offers a salary of £70,000 - £80,000, bonus, and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex electronic design within defence or aerospace sectors.
• Understanding of EMC/EMI compliance and environmental standards.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred or working towards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of electronic systems.
• Deliver high-reliability multi-layer PCB designs.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and mentor engineers.

Skills

Complex electronic design

Multi-layer PCB design

FPGA and microprocessor-based systems

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Job description

£70,000 - £80,000 + Bonus + Hybrid Working
Defence & Maritime Technology | Mission-Critical Systems

Protecting what matters. Powering the future of naval technology.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to join a leading engineering organisation delivering advanced maritime defence systems used worldwide. This is a senior technical leadership opportunity within a high-integrity, highly regulated environment where engineering excellence is critical.

This role combines hands‑on electronic design with strategic technical leadership, offering real influence over engineering standards, product quality, and future capability development.

The Role

As Principal Electrical Engineer, you will:

• Lead the design and development of complex electronic systems (digital, analogue, mixed‑signal and power electronics)
• Support system architecture, schematic capture, PCB layout and hardware qualification
• Deliver high‑reliability multi‑layer PCB designs
• Contribute to FPGA and microprocessor‑based system development
• Lead and participate in design reviews (PDR/CDR)
• Ensure compliance with EMC/EMI, environmental and defence standards
• Champion Design for Manufacture, Cost, Test, Reliability and Support
• Provide day‑to‑day technical leadership and mentor engineers
• Support bids, cross‑functional programme delivery and engineering governance

Approximately 40% of the role is technical delivery, with 60% focused on leadership, governance and capability development.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in complex electronic design within defence, aerospace or other high‑integrity sectors
• Strong background in multi‑layer PCB design
• Experience with FPGA and microprocessor‑based systems
• High‑reliability power supply and signal conditioning expertise
• Understanding of EMC/EMI compliance and environmental standards
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Degree qualified in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred or working towards

Security Clearance

Candidates must be eligible to obtain UK security clearance (BPSS minimum, with potential for further vetting).

What's On Offer

• £70,000 - £80,000 salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Optional 9‑day fortnight
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Flexible hours and TOIL
• 1pm finish on Fridays
• 25 days holiday + Christmas shutdown
• Buy/sell holiday scheme
• Private healthcare options
• 4x life assurance
• Competitive pension contribution

This is a rare opportunity to shape the delivery of mission‑critical naval systems while mentoring engineering talent and driving technical excellence across complex defence programmes.

If you are ready to take the next step in your engineering leadership career, we would welcome your application or a confidential conversation.