Principal Systems Engineer

AtkinsRéalis; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive training

Flexible holiday

Hybrid working culture

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer based in Bristol to lead engineering processes in national security projects. The role demands expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and a strong grasp of systems engineering concepts. Candidates should possess a relevant STEM degree and professional recognition (e.g., CEng), along with experience in managing complex systems. The position promotes a flexible, remote-first working environment and aims to foster career growth through a supportive culture.

Qualifications

• Experience with MBSE tools and approaches.
• Knowledge of UML/SysML, ArchiMate, TOGAF, MODAF.
• Understanding of engineering lifecycles.
• Experience integrating complex systems across military and civilian platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering processes across the engineering lifecycle.
• Apply MBSE approaches and tools confidently.
• Manage requirements traceability through verification.
• Develop teams through coaching and mentoring.
• Communicate complex issues to non-engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering processes

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Requirements engineering

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in a relevant STEM subject

Professional recognition (e.g., CEng or CSEP)

Tools

Sparx EA

Cameo

Job description

Overview

We are a diverse, collaborative engineering services provider with a strong focus on national security programmes. As the Principal Systems Engineer in our Advanced Engineering Delivery & Consultancy practice you will work on high‑profile projects that protect the UK across land, sea, air and critical national infrastructure. The role offers genuine variety—from early concept design through integration and delivery—as well as the opportunity to lead technical teams, guide decision‑making and ensure that all components fit seamlessly into the larger system.

Your work will be underpinned by Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and will support design, analysis and verification activities using modern digital methods. You will collaborate with stakeholders at every level, from engineers to senior leaders, and provide clear technical communication to non‑engineers and decision‑makers.

We offer flexible, remote‑first working policies and an inclusive culture that supports career growth, even for candidates returning to the workforce after a break.

Your role

• Lead and tailor the application of systems engineering processes (e.g., ISO 15288) across the full engineering lifecycle, providing direction and assurance to project teams.
• Apply and guide the use of MBSE approaches and tools (e.g., Sparx EA, Cameo), confidently using modelling languages and architectural frameworks such as UML/SysML, ArchiMate, TOGAF and MODAF.
• Lead requirements engineering activities, ensuring robust traceability through to verification and validation and managing requirement maturity and change.
• Build and maintain a strong network within the organisation to support the growth of the practice.
• Use your expertise and experience to develop the team through coaching and mentoring.
• Select, tailor and implement appropriate engineering lifecycles, balancing technical rigour with delivery pragmatism.
• Integrate complex systems across diverse military and civilian platforms (including submarines, aircraft, ships, vehicles, and advanced power and energy systems), addressing system‑of‑systems challenges.
• Lead technical work packages or small teams, operating within a range of development and delivery methodologies.
• Apply a working knowledge of the MOD acquisition framework, using Knowledge in Defence (KiD) to inform decision‑making and stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, clearly communicating complex technical issues to non‑engineers and senior decision‑makers.

About You

• Degree qualified (Level 6 or above) in a relevant STEM subject or equivalent depth of experience in engineering.
• Professional recognition with an appropriate institution (e.g., CEng or CSEP).
• Experience in selecting and using MBSE approaches and tools (e.g., Sparx EA, Cameo).
• Knowledge of modelling languages and architecture frameworks, including UML/SysML, ArchiMate, TOGAF and MODAF.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering lifecycles, including their selection, tailoring and implementation.
• Detailed understanding of wider delivery aspects such as commercial, finance and planning.
• Experience integrating complex systems across military and civilian platforms, including submarines, aircraft, ships, vehicles and advanced power and energy systems.
• Ability to apply systems engineering processes (e.g., ISO 15288:2023) across the lifecycle.
• Proven track record in managing projects and teams across various development methods.
• Deep understanding of the MOD acquisition framework and Knowledge in Defence (KiD).
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Ability to understand, simplify and explain subject matter to non‑engineers and senior stakeholders.

Rewards & benefits

Competitive salary and employee rewards; comprehensive training and professional development; flexible holiday and hybrid working culture that supports a balanced personal and professional life.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance. Offers of employment will depend on obtaining the relevant clearance level, which will be discussed during the interview. The vetting process is delivered by the United Kingdom Security Vetting authority and may require proof of UK residency of five years or more. Applicants should not reference current or past security clearance details in their application.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader and are committed to providing an interview for all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.