Principal Systems Engineer

Ultra Electronics Group; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Scheme participation

Private medical cover

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension contribution

Life assurance cover

Flexible working hours

Cycle‑to‑work scheme

Job summary

Ultra Electronics Group is looking for a Lead Systems Engineer to drive Systems Engineering processes across project life cycles. The role includes leading technical solutions, coordinating with multiple engineering teams, and ensuring compliance across various stakeholders.

Ideal candidates should hold a degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics and have hands-on experience in Systems Engineering, documentation, and team leadership. Benefits include an annual bonus scheme and flexible working hours.

Qualifications

• Significant experience and understanding of Systems Engineering.
• Demonstrable experience implementing the Systems Engineering lifecycle.
• Experience in writing high‑quality technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Engineering for complex engineering problems.
• Coordinate development of technical solutions and project outcomes.
• Manage compliance with processes and project objectives.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Technical Documentation

Team Leadership

DOORS

UML

SysML

Life Cycle Management

Embedded Systems

Education

Degree in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics

Tools

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Company Overview

Ultra Intelligence & Communications Cyber (UK) is a leading cyber business unit pioneering advanced cryptographic and key‑management solutions to secure the confidential exchange of vital information for critical defence customers.

Job Description

To be responsible for and assure the implementation of ISO 15288 processes and practices across the Systems Engineering life cycle within Ultra Cyber, ensuring the Systems discipline defines, supports, and confirms the delivery of stakeholder requirements and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Systems discipline as a senior member/leads Systems Engineer for the full scope of assigned work packages and tasking.
• Support the Engineering Project Lead in delivering engineering obligations within the agreed plans, budget and schedule.
• Lead and coordinate the development of technical solutions to large and complex engineering problems, following Systems Engineering processes.
• Develop and maintain Systems Engineering artefacts across the product development lifecycle to achieve positive project outcomes.
• Provide technical direction and influence across project work packages, ensuring optimal architecture, design and implementation choices.
• Collaborate with system, hardware, firmware and software architects to maintain consistency and promote modularity and re‑use.
• Plan, coordinate and present at internal and external design reviews to senior management and customers, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Manage customers and external suppliers to ensure compliance with agreed processes and achievement of project objectives.
• Review and sign off significant technical documents and support chairs in technical reviews for key deliverables.
• Explain complex technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Manage information security as defined in the Security manual and government regulations.
• Offer value‑added improvements to grow the overall Systems discipline capability.
• Support recruitment, early‑career development and STEM engagement initiatives.
• Lead others to develop greater awareness and implementation of Systems approaches and practices.
• Develop recognised subject‑matter expertise in a specific technical area.
• Accept line management duties, coaching reports and managing their development plans.

Qualifications / Skills

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics, or suitable Defence/Aerospace industry experience.
• Significant experience and full understanding of Systems Engineering, the V‑Lifecycle, development models and associated processes.
• Demonstrable experience implementing the complete Systems Engineering lifecycle per ISO/IEEE/IEC standards.
• Technical and line‑management experience leading a team of Systems Engineers.
• Experience in writing high‑quality technical documentation and conducting formal technical reviews.
• Substantial knowledge of Systems Engineering practices, methodologies, processes, techniques and technology trends.
• Experience with DOORS, UML, Enterprise Architect and SysML.
• Hands‑on development experience in hardware, software or firmware, particularly in embedded environments.
• INCOSE recognition (ASEP or CSEP) is desirable.
• Experience as a technical Subject Matter Expert and developing new areas of expertise.
• Familiarity with NCSC security processes and associated artefact delivery.

Role Requirements

• Attained SC clearance.
• Able to travel within the UK.
• Clean driving licence.
• Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, DV security clearance.

Benefits

• Annual Bonus Scheme participation.
• Private medical cover.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase 5 additional days.
• Pension contribution.
• Life assurance cover.
• Flexible working hours, including a 1pm finish on Fridays.
• Flexible benefits such as cycle‑to‑work scheme and will‑writing.
• Security Clearance allowance where relevant.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Ultra I&C is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. We also support flexible working arrangements wherever possible.