Principal Systems Engineer

Gold Group; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer (Technical Lead) in Portsmouth to lead the delivery of Synthetic Test Environment capabilities. This role requires a solid background in Systems Engineering and experience in technical leadership, shaping the future strategy for projects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant field and have strong technical knowledge in networking and IT. Immediate position available for qualified individuals ready to contribute to complex naval environments.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Systems Engineering with IT and Networks experience.
• Knowledge of computer network architectures and protocols.
• Previously held maritime or naval domain experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shape and guide the future strategy and technical direction.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of systems engineers.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Technical Leadership

Integration

Verification & Validation (IV&V)

Networking

IT

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Wireshark

Virtual Machines (VMware / Hyper-V)

Job description

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer (Technical Lead)

Location: Portsmouth

Day Rate: £DOE Inside IR35

Term: 6 Months

Security Clearance: SC to start

Key Skills:

• Systems Engineering
• Requirements
• Technical Leadership
• Engineering Team Leadership
• Integration
• Verification & Validation (IV&V)
• DIS (Distributed Interactive Simulation)
• HLA (High Level Architecture)
• DDS (Data Distribution Service)
• Virtual Machines (VMware / Hyper‑V)
• Shared Computing Environments
• Servers & Hosting Platforms

We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer (Technical Lead) to lead the delivery of Synthetic Test Environment and Analysis Tools Service (STEATS) capabilities in support of the Naval Combat Systems Integration Support Services (NCSISS) contract.

About Us:

In this senior technical leadership role, you will shape and implement the future strategy for the STEATS offering, ensuring it remains aligned with evolving customer needs. You will lead a cross‑disciplinary team of engineers, providing both hands‑on technical expertise and strategic direction, while working closely with customers and stakeholders.

This role combines technical leadership, systems engineering, and simulation and analysis tool development, enabling combat systems engineers to operate effectively within complex naval environments.

The Role:

• Shape and guide the future strategy and technical direction of the STEATS offering
• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of systems engineers
• Provide technical leadership and input to Technical Delivery Plans
• Deliver technical management of delegated projects, ensuring quality and schedule adherence
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers and key stakeholders
• Contribute hands‑on technical expertise to simulations, synthetic environments, and analysis tools

Qualifications:

• Strong background in Systems Engineering, with experience in Networks and IT
• Knowledge of computer network architectures and protocols, including:
• Client/server architectures
• TCP/IP, UDP, NTP
• Network analysis tools such as Wireshark
• Understanding of Technical Assurance processes
• Previous maritime or naval domain experience is desirable
• Degree‑level qualification in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with relevant post‑degree experience (or equivalent)
• Full professional membership of a relevant professional body or equivalent accreditation

My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Principal Systems Engineer, this is the opportunity for you!

IMPORTANT NOTE

Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy.