Principal Systems Engineer

1120 NG UK Limited.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Relocation assistance

Flexible/hybrid work

Career development

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to shape defence technology and deliver across the lifecycle, from customer needs to system delivery. You will lead engineering work packages, produce technical docs, and drive critical design reviews, while coordinating with multiple disciplines and suppliers.

The role requires 3–5 years of systems engineering experience in regulated environments, MBSE knowledge, and strong stakeholder skills; it offers hybrid working in New Malden and

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years’ systems engineering experience in defence, maritime, aerospace or regulated environments.
• Experience with system requirements, design, integration, acceptance and analysis.
• Knowledge of control systems, PLC/SCADA and OT.
• Familiarity with Model‑Based Design and tools like Enterprise Architect.
• Strong stakeholder skills with ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in requirements management tools such as DOORS.
• Understanding of marine environment, environmental standards and safety systems.
• Preferred: knowledge of V&V activities including environmental and EMC testing.
• Preferred: INCOSE ASE or CSEP accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Systems Engineering work packages across the project lifecycle.
• Produce and review technical documentation in line with programme schedules.
• Plan, prepare and deliver key design reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
• Manage technical aspects of suppliers, ensuring alignment with requirements and design baselines.
• Review technical documentation from customers and suppliers, providing challenge and assurance.
• Integrate with Hardware, Mechanical, Software, V&V, ILS, Cybersecurity and Safety teams.
• Provide technical leadership to deliver work packages on time, to cost and quality.
• Support risk management, opportunity assessments, bids, proposals and estimation activities.

Skills

Systems engineering

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems/Software/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Enterprise Architect

DOORS

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer

Location: New Malden (hybrid working) | Salary: £58,000 - £72,000 | UK citizenship required | Relocation assistance may be available | Travels: 10% of the time.

Role Overview

At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help shape the technology and solutions of tomorrow, contributing to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. As a Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in delivering Systems Engineering activities across key defence programmes, supporting the full engineering lifecycle from customer needs to system design, integration, acceptance and delivery.

What You Will Do

• Lead and deliver Systems Engineering work packages across the project lifecycle.
• Produce and review technical documentation in line with programme schedules.
• Plan, prepare and deliver key design reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR.
• Manage technical aspects of suppliers, ensuring alignment with requirements and design baselines.
• Review technical documentation from customers and suppliers, providing challenge and assurance.
• Integrate effectively with Hardware, Mechanical, Software, V&V, ILS, Cybersecurity and Safety teams.
• Provide technical leadership to deliver work packages on time, to cost and quality.
• Support risk management, opportunity assessments, bids, proposals and estimation activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Essential: Degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in systems engineering within defence, maritime, aerospace or a regulated environment.
• Experience with system requirements, design, integration, acceptance and analysis.
• Knowledge of control systems, PLC/SCADA and operational technology.
• Experience with Model‑Based Design and tools such as Enterprise Architect.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in requirements management tools such as DOORS.
• Understanding of the marine environment, environmental standards and safety‑related systems.
• Preferred: Knowledge of V&V activities including environmental and EMC testing.
• Preferred: INCOSE ASE or CSEP accreditation.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must meet the nationality and residency requirements for UK Security Check (SC) clearance and be able to gain and maintain this clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including a compressed fortnight with every other Friday off.
• Private healthcare – Cash health plan.
• Holiday buy and sell options.
• Career development, mentoring and professional training.
• Performance‑related bonuses.

EEO Statement

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.