Principal Systems Engineer

Manpower UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead a team in delivering Synthetic Test Environment capabilities. This role involves shaping strategy, providing technical support, and managing delegated projects. Essential experience includes systems engineering and knowledge of network architectures, while a degree in a relevant discipline is required. The position offers hybrid working with a team located in Portsmouth, ensuring customer needs are met effectively.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within Systems Engineering, with IT experience preferable.
• Maritime experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge in network protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and NTP.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to deliver STEATS capabilities.
• Shape and implement strategy for the STEATS offering.
• Provide technical support and project management.
• Act as the technical point of contact for customers.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Networks

IT

Technical Assurance process

Computer network architectures

Education

Degree in systems engineering, computer science, physics or similar

Full professional membership of a relevant body

Tools

Wireshark

Job description

Role: Principal Systems Engineer (Technical Lead)

Location: Portsmouth (Predominantly onsite with occasional remote working)

Duration: 6 months

Inside IR35: Umbrella

The Role

As a Principal System Engineer, you will be leading a team of Engineers to deliver the required STEATS (Synthetic Test Environment and Analysis Tools Service) capabilities in support of the NCSISS (Naval Combat Systems Integration Support Services) contract.

Day‑to‑day, you'll play a key role in shaping and implementing the strategy to ensure the STEATS offering is well positioned to meet customer needs going forward. You will also be responsible for leading a cross‑technical team of systems engineers, providing both day‑to‑day management and strategic technical leadership. You will work on simulations and tools that enable combat systems engineers to perform their roles effectively, combining hands‑on technical work with leadership responsibilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Shaping and guiding future strategy for the STEATS offering
• Providing technical support in terms of Technical Delivery Plans
• Technical management of specific, delegated projects
• Being the technical point of contact for our customers

Essential experience of the Principal Systems Engineer:

• Strong experience within Systems Engineering, Networks, IT would be preferable
• Previous maritime experience would be an advantage
• Understanding of the Technical Assurance process
• Knowledge of computer network architectures, protocols and analysis including client/server, TCP/IP, UDP, NTP and Wireshark

Essential qualifications for the Principal Systems Engineer:

• Degree level expertise encompassing systems engineering, computer science, physics or similar technical discipline with post degree experience (or equivalent)
• Full professional membership of a relevant body or similar accreditation

We value difference and we don't have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Portsmouth site. Hybrid working patterns are available.