Principal Systems Engineer

Matchtech; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched-contribution pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Private medical and dental plans

Employee discount portal

Support for Armed Forces community

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Hampshire is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead a skilled team while managing engineering projects. The role requires strong systems engineering expertise and experience in complex programmes. Responsibilities include mentoring engineers, improving processes, and providing technical oversight. This full-time position offers a hybrid working pattern and access to advanced facilities. Join an innovative and inclusive organization committed to excellence in the industry.

Qualifications

• Strong systems engineering expertise with application in product development.
• Experience as a Lead or Principal Systems Engineer on complex programmes.
• Ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Improve toolsets and processes across the engineering community.
• Mentor and coach engineers while sharing best practices.
• Lead performance and development activities for the engineering team.

Skills

Systems engineering expertise

Team leadership

Mentoring and coaching

Technical oversight

Complex project management

Education

Chartered Engineer or equivalent experience

Tools

Engineering toolsets

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer

Location: Hampshire
Eligibility: We can only accept SOLE UK NATIONALS for this role.

Are you ready to help shape the future? We are driving forward innovation across defence and advanced technology-developing solutions that protect lives and push the boundaries of what's possible. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our engineering function, working within a highly skilled team delivering cutting‑edge capability.

The Role

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will take a leadership role within the Systems Engineering function, guiding a team of engineers while delivering your own portfolio of project work. You will support multiple programmes simultaneously, providing technical oversight, systems engineering expertise, and strong team leadership.

This is a hands‑on, highly influential role where you will be key in shaping engineering delivery, driving best practice, and enabling the productisation of science and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with discipline and professional leads to improve toolsets, processes, artefacts, and training across the engineering community.
• Mentor, coach, and peer‑review the work of engineers, sharing best practice and elevating capability across the team.
• Lead performance and development activity, including goal‑setting, feedback, 1:1s, and calibration discussions.
• Develop the team's professional skills, knowledge and behaviours, enabling them to progress and deliver effectively.
• Apply deep or broad systems engineering knowledge to support projects and guide technical delivery.
• Advise and support project leaders, Programme Managers, Chief Engineers, and Resource Managers regarding deployment and utilisation of engineering staff.

Essential Experience

• Strong systems engineering expertise and demonstrable understanding of its application in product development.
• Proven experience operating as a Lead or Principal Systems Engineer on complex engineering programmes.
• Proficiency with engineering toolsets for managing complex system development.
• Ability to build, develop, and motivate high‑performing teams, including addressing behavioural or performance concerns where required.
• Applied experience with systems engineering standards, frameworks, and regulated delivery environments.

Essential Qualifications

Chartered Engineer status, or demonstrable equivalent experience and technical leadership capability. We welcome applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds. If you can demonstrate the required capability and a willingness to continue developing professionally, we would like to hear from you.

Working Environment

This is a full‑time (37 hours) role based in Hampshire, operating in a hybrid working pattern. Our Hampshire site includes cutting‑edge research and development facilities, advanced test environments, and multidisciplinary engineering teams working collaboratively on complex defence and technology programmes.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of an organisation committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. As we grow into new markets and tackle increasingly complex challenges, your work will directly contribute to future capability across the UK and beyond.

We offer a supportive, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross‑discipline teamwork is the norm. Here, you can be authentic, feel appreciated, and realise your full potential.

Benefits

• Matched‑contribution pension scheme with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance + option to purchase additional leave
• Access to private medical, dental and health cash plans
• Employee discount portal (insurance, retail, travel, cinema & more)
• Supportive of the Armed Forces community, maintaining Gold Award status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering opportunities supporting charities and local communities