Principal Systems Engineer

Platform Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Bristol is seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineering Consultant to provide technical leadership and deliver engineering solutions across the lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. This role offers a competitive salary of £70,000 - £80,000 plus benefits, as well as the opportunity to influence strategy within a respected consultancy.

Qualifications

• Experienced Systems Engineer from a defence, government, or consultancy background.
• Familiar with UK MOD acquisition frameworks and delivery processes.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) - minimum 5 years' UK residency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Systems Engineering capability and strategic direction.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Oversee requirements management and system architecture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Requirements Engineering

MBSE

Engineering Governance

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Chartered Engineer (or working towards)

Tools

DOORS or similar requirements management tools

Job description

Role

Principal Systems Engineering Consultant – Location: Bristol • Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 + benefits

Overview

A leading engineering consultancy supporting complex UK Government and Defence programmes is seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineering Consultant to provide technical leadership, shape strategy, and deliver high-quality engineering solutions across the full Systems Engineering lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Systems Engineering capability and strategic direction.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Oversee requirements management, system architecture, MBSE, and supportability engineering.
• Provide technical assurance and governance on complex defence projects.
• Contribute to business development through technical input and client engagement.

About You

• Experienced Systems Engineer from a defence, government, or consultancy background.
• Expertise in Requirements Engineering, MBSE, ILS, and Engineering Governance.
• Familiar with UK MOD acquisition frameworks and delivery processes.
• Skilled in DOORS or similar requirements management tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards).
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) - minimum 5 years' UK residency.
• Full right to live and work in the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior technical role, influence strategy, and deliver impactful engineering solutions within a growing and respected consultancy.

Apply now to play a key role in shaping future defence and government programmes.