Principal Systems Engineer

MBDA; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension contributions

Overtime

Flexi Leave

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Facilities and parking

Job summary

MBDA's Data Link Centre of Excellence seeks a Systems Engineer to lead the delivery of data link electronics for a high-priority programme. You will act as the technical bridge between international project teams and the delivery organisation, guiding development from concept to in-service deployment.

Joining a small, high-impact team, you will shape your role, drive architecture decisions, and ensure robust verification and certification across software, firmware and hardware domains.

Qualifications

• Experience leading system design for data links.
• Proficiency with SysML, IBM DOORS, and Rhapsody.
• Experience bridging high-level systems and hardware RF/electronics.
• Ability to perform complex trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead system design for data links and guide software/firmware/hardware implementation.
• Architect and execute V&V strategies.
• Provide certification & assurance with design authority and testing teams.
• Lead strategic technical decisions across projects.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

RF & electronics

Trade studies

Tools

SysML

IBM DOORS

Rhapsody

Job description

Join the Data Link Centre of Excellence at MBDA, where we design the data carriers for battlespace connectivity solutions. We are looking for a Systems Engineer to take the lead on the delivery of cutting‑edge Data Link electronics for an emerging, high-priority programme.

Salary

Circa £53,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working

2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity

This isn't just a design role; it is a leadership opportunity. You will guide technology through its entire lifecycle‑from initial concept to in‑service deployment‑developing critical equipment for Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) to protect the UK Armed Forces and allies.

Joining a small, high-impact team, you will have the autonomy to shape your role and leave a lasting mark on MBDA's product portfolio. You will act as the technical bridge between international project teams and the delivery organisation, driving transformation not only in our products but in our engineering methods.

Your core impact will be across four key pillars:

• Technical Direction: Lead the system design for data links, providing the roadmap and guidance for software, firmware, and hardware implementation teams.
• Verification & Validation: Architect and execute comprehensive V&V strategies to ensure seamless performance across all technical domains.
• Certification & Assurance: Partner with the Equipment Design Authority and Testing teams to provide the critical evidence and assurance required to move equipment from the lab to the field.
• Strategic Leadership: Direct complex technical trade studies, balancing competing requirements with technical feasibility to drive effective design decisions.

What we're looking for from you

We are looking for a systems engineer who thrives on complexity. To excel in this role, you will leverage your expertise to:

• Drive Product Excellence: Apply rigorous systems engineering to ensure the delivery of high-stakes, mission‑critical products.
• Modernize our Workflow: Use SysML, IBM DOORS, and Rhapsody to capture designs precisely, while proactively evolving our internal SE methodologies.
• Expand Your Breadth: Bridge the gap between high‑level systems and physical hardware, deepening your expertise in RF and electronics.
• Solve Complex Puzzles: Act as the "technical glue" between specialists and project teams, analysing complex trade-spaces to resolve critical design bottlenecks.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.