Principal Systems Engineer

Manpower UK Ltd; Amesbury; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead complex Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation (T3E) infrastructure projects. This role involves delivering safe and compliant solutions while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have a strong systems engineering background, relevant degree or equivalent experience, and familiarity with industry standards. The position is based on-site in Salisbury three days a week and requires SC clearance.

Qualifications

• Strong background in complex infrastructure and safety-critical environments.
• Knowledge of integration with facilities, equipment, and control systems.
• Experience with CDM 2015 and aviation test facility standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of T3E infrastructure projects.
• Produce and own requirements and acceptance documentation.
• Provide technical leadership as System Design Authority.

Skills

Strong systems engineering background

Advanced knowledge of systems integration

Familiar with relevant standards and frameworks

Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering or related field

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer

Location: Salisbury (3 days per week on-site)

Duration: 6 months

Rate: Negotiable

Inside IR35 – Umbrella only

SC Cleared

Role Overview

Lead the technical delivery of complex Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation (T3E) infrastructure projects at Boscombe Down, focused on aviation facilities and associated test environments.

Act as Principal Systems Engineer across the full lifecycle, from requirements through to transition into service.

Produce and own key artefacts: requirements, architecture, ITEA plans, installation and acceptance documentation, technical files.

Plan and lead installation, integration, test, evaluation and acceptance to deliver safe, compliant, "safe by design" solutions.

Provide technical leadership to internal teams and subcontractors, acting as System Design Authority where required.

Engage stakeholders across facilities, IT, safety and security to manage requirements, risks and change.

Skills and Experience

• Strong systems engineering background on complex infrastructure, test ranges or safety‑critical environments.
• Advanced knowledge of systems integration (facilities, equipment, control systems, comms, software, IT).
• Familiar with relevant standards and frameworks (e.g. CDM 2015, SCIDA, aviation test facilities, RIBA stages).
• Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and managing technical risk.

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering or relevant engineering discipline (MSc preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent / working towards.

To apply, please send your CVs in the first instance.