Principal Systems Engineer

Forward Role; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Role is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer for a hybrid role in Cheltenham. You will drive systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, providing architectural oversight and ensuring robust integration and testing strategies.

Candidates will champion engineering governance, apply systems thinking to complex challenges, and support delivery across Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid methodologies, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on high‑assurance solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the V Lifecycle.
• Experience in architectural design oversight, integration and testing.
• Ability to implement engineering governance and improve quality standards.
• Systems thinking mindset to solve complex problems.
• Experience across multiple delivery methodologies.
• Exposure to diverse client domains and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Drive Systems Engineering activities across the full V Lifecycle.
• Provide architectural oversight, ensuring robust integration and test strategies.
• Champion engineering governance and process rigour to improve quality.
• Apply systems thinking to shape and influence complex customer challenges.
• Support delivery across a range of methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑assurance solutions.

Skills

V Lifecycle

Architectural design oversight

Systems thinking

Delivery methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Systems Engineer
Salary: £90,000 – £100,000
Clearance Required: eDV
Location: Cheltenham (Hybrid Working)

The Opportunity

Our client, a leading organisation within the national security sector, is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to play a key role across the Systems Development Lifecycle. This is a unique opportunity to work on highly impactful, mission‑critical programmes that contribute directly to national security outcomes.

You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking engineering environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything they do.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Driving Systems Engineering activities across the full V Lifecycle
• Providing architectural oversight, ensuring robust integration and test strategies
• Championing engineering best practices and process rigour to improve quality and delivery
• Applying systems thinking to shape and influence complex customer challenges
• Supporting delivery across a range of methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid)
• Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑assurance solutions

Your Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of the V Lifecycle
• Proven experience in architectural design oversight, integration, and testing
• Ability to implement engineering governance and improve quality standards
• Systems thinking mindset with the ability to solve complex problems
• Experience across multiple delivery methodologies
• Exposure to diverse client domains and relevant standards

Key Requirements

• Ability to manage and influence multiple, challenging stakeholders
• Confidence engaging with C‑suite, business, and technical audiences
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 15288 and IEC 61508
• Experience within high‑security or safety‑critical environments