Principal Systems Engineer

Copello; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence contractor is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support projects that safeguard armed forces. The role involves leading work packages, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and applying systems engineering expertise. Ideal candidates will have experience in areas like system architecture design, requirements capture, and verification methods. The position offers a hybrid working model and opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• Experience in systems engineering and requirements capture.
• Ability to lead work packages and mentor junior engineers.
• Strong understanding of verification and validation methods.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to create innovative system concepts.
• Lead your own work packages and coordinate technology specialists.
• Gain experience across the full spectrum of systems engineering techniques.

Skills

Requirements capture and Use Case analysis

Concept assessment & design trade studies

System architecture design and functional modelling

Performance assessment & behavioural analysis

Verification, Validation & Certification

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Job description

Overview

Principal Systems Engineer

Salary: Up to £60,000 (DOE)

Locations: Bristol, Stevenage, or Bolton (relocation support available)

Working model: Hybrid - typically 3-4 days on-site per week due to project requirements

Clearance: Must be a British Citizen or a Dual UK National with British citizenship

Be at the forefront of defence innovation

The Role

Copello are supporting a leading Defence client in their search for a Principal Systems Engineer. They will be joining the Systems Design Emerging Portfolio & Capability team, where you\'ll shape the future of Complex capabilities for the UK and partner nations. You\'ll be applying your systems engineering expertise at the very front end of the product lifecycle.

This is your chance to work on projects that truly matter—pushing the boundaries of what\'s possible and safeguarding our armed forces.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to create innovative system concepts
• Leading your own work packages, co-ordinating technology specialists, and shaping cutting-edge engineering approaches
• Gaining valuable experience across the full spectrum of systems engineering techniques
• Building leadership skills and mentoring the engineers of the future
• This role offers a rare mix of technical depth and breadth, alongside opportunities to grow into leadership, project management, or technical expert roles.

What we're looking for

We want engineers with experience in any of the following areas:

• Requirements capture and Use Case analysis
• Concept assessment & design trade studies
• System architecture design and functional modelling
• Performance assessment & behavioural analysis
• Verification, Validation & Certification
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)