Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development

ViaSat Inc.; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define features, architect end-to-end solutions, and lead a team of electronics, FPGA, software, and mechanical engineers from concept to deployment.

The role requires a 7+ year track record in defence/aerospace/space, a relevant engineering degree, and strong system-level thinking with the ability to coordinate across disciplines and customers. DV clearance eligibility is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in defence, aerospace, or space developing physical electronic/software products.
• Degree-level qualification in Engineering, Electronic Design, Computer Science, Physics, or relevant field.
• Proven track record delivering complex technical solutions across the systems engineering lifecycle.
• Strong system-level thinking and ability to converse with hardware, software, FPGA, and mechanical domains.
• Excellent technical documentation skills and ability to negotiate technical requirements with customers.
• Nationality & Security: sole British Nationality and eligible for UK DV Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority for product features, system behavior, and inter-disciplinary design trade-offs.
• Lead elicitation, structuring, and management of technical requirements using IBM DOORS across engineering disciplines.
• Guide the development team through the product lifecycle, identify risks early, drive resolution.
• Oversee full product verification, validation, and environmental qualification processes from concept to acceptance.
• Support the commercial team by producing robust engineering estimates for bid activities.
• Interface directly with defence customers to clarify or modify requirements and ensure the end need is met.

Skills

System architecture

Requirements engineering

Engineering leadership

Lifecycle management

Bid estimation

Customer discussions

SysML/UML

Education

Engineering degree (Engineering / Electronic Design / Computer Science / Physics)

Tools

IBM DOORS

Job description

About Us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space. We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What You'll Do

Viasat UK has transformed the market for assured Data at Rest solutions and is rapidly growing its business. Viasat UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the technical definition and delivery of our advanced security devices and work across multiple Information Assurance development projects.

Are you an exceptional Senior Systems Engineer ready to step up into a Principal role? Or a highly technical Electronics/Software Engineer looking to claim full architectural ownership of a physical product line? This is a high-visibility, hands‑on role where you will define product features, architect end‑to‑end solutions, and serve as the Technical Lead on key projects. You will work side‑by‑side with our Technical Project Managers to guide a skilled team of electronics, FPGA, software, and mechanical engineers from concept to deployment.

The day-to-day

• System Architecture & Definition: Act as the technical authority for product features, system behavior, and inter-disciplinary design trade‑offs.
• Requirements Engineering: Lead the elicitation, structuring, and management of technical requirements using tools like IBM DOORS across all engineering disciplines.
• Engineering Leadership: Guide the development team throughout the product lifecycle, spotting technical risks early, investigating root causes, and driving them to resolution.
• Lifecycle & Qualification: Oversee full product verification, validation, and complex environmental qualification processes from concept to customer acceptance.
• Bids & Estimates: Support the commercial team by producing robust engineering estimates for competitive bid activities.
• Customer Discussions: Interface directly with defence customers to clarify or modify requirements and ensure the developed product satisfies the end need.

What You'll Need

• Background: 7+ years of experience in the defence, aerospace, or space sectors developing physical electronic/software products.
• Education: A degree-level qualification in Engineering, Electronic Design, Computer Science, Physics, or a relevant technical field.
• Experience: Proven track record of delivering complex technical solutions across the systems engineering lifecycle (including requirements management, system design, architecture, and verification).
• Skills: Strong system‑level thinking with the ability to easily converse with specialists across hardware, software, FPGA, and mechanical domains.
• Communication: Strong technical documentation skills and the confidence to negotiate technical requirements directly with customers.
• Nationality & Security: Due to UK eyes‑only projects, candidates must hold sole British Nationality and hold, or be eligible to achieve, UK DV Clearance.

What Will Help You On The Job

• Ability to handle complexity, uncertainty, and competing program demands.
• Demonstrable experience of problem‑solving skills and applying system‑level thinking.
• Experience using system design languages (e.g., SysML, UML) and techniques (e.g., use case analysis, trade studies).
• Direct experience with defence standards (e.g., DEF STAN, MIL‑STD) for environmental and EMC testing.
• Experience estimating engineering hours and writing technical proposals for bid activities.
• Familiarity with the NCSC CAPS assurance process.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on‑line application, please click here.