Senior Hardware Systems Engineer

Thales; Crawley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in defence technology is seeking a Systems Engineer with a minimum of five years' experience in Hardware Engineering roles. The successful candidate will analyze and define specifications, direct hardware architecture, and ensure adherence to strict engineering standards. The role requires strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, with particular knowledge in marine or harsh environments. A collaborative approach and logical reasoning are essential in delivering effective solutions across projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years experience in a Systems or Hardware Engineering role.
• Knowledge of hardware design for marine environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer needs and define specifications.
• Co-direct hardware architecture studies and verification tests.
• Ensure adherence to engineering standards and methodologies.

Skills

Team collaboration

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Knowledge of Systems Engineering Toolsets

Logical reasoning

Education

L5 qualification (degree or equivalent in engineering)

Job description

Location

Cheadle, United Kingdom

Overview

Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including above‑and‑sub‑sonar electronic combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. We research, develop and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day and keep them safer.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Analyses the customers and other stakeholders needs whatever the used means (e.g. advanced studies simulations mock‑ups models prototypes)
• Defines the requirements, functions and interfaces on the component or sub‑system.
• Formalises the specification and the architectural design to develop the component or sub‑system.
• Prepares and performs the component or sub‑system verification and validation tests.
• Ensures that hardware architecture stability is maintained across lifecycle phases from Bid to Delivery.
• Directs and coordinates hardware architecture studies.
• Approves the technical, technological and methodological choices taken in respect of the selected hardware architecture.
• Guarantees adherence to in‑scope standards, reuse policy and product development plans.
• Identifies modelling, simulation and prototyping opportunities.
• Co‑ordinates product definition and assessment of trade‑offs between aspects of cost, customer requirements and technological possibilities.
• Prepares the Design & Justification Files.
• Provides knowledge on state‑of‑the‑art hardware architecting taking account of future developments.

Essential Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive can‑do mentality.
• Logical problem solving approaches.
• Ability to technically lead design and development activities interfacing with other technical disciplines.
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering Toolsets, Practices and Lifecycles.
• Architecting of racks, cabinets and network infrastructure for marine or similar harsh environments (or)
• Architecting of equipment/sensors used in marine or similar harsh environments.

Desirable Skills

• Hardware design, development and qualification of systems or sub‑systems specific to SONAR above water and below water communications systems or similar high‑reliability systems deployed in harsh environments.

Experience – Essential

• Minimum of five years experience in a Systems or Hardware Engineering role in an appropriate engineering field (e.g. Maritime, Aerospace, Defence).
• Equivalent experience in a relevant technical field either mechanical or electronics design considered.

Experience – Desirable

• Experience working on underwater acoustics and/or sonar.
• Experience designing equipment for the sub‑sea environment.
• Experience with Design for Cost / Design for Manufacture, manufacturing specifications and new product introduction.

Values & Behaviours

• Collaborative and continuous improvement approach to work.
• Innovative mind set and embracing of new technologies and working methods.
• Able to work efficiently both autonomously and as part of an integrated team.
• All work conducted in accordance with company processes.

Qualifications – Essential

• L5 qualification (degree or equivalent in an engineering or scientific discipline) and of 5 years experience in a similar role.

Qualifications – Desirable

• Chartered Engineer.
• L6 or L7 qualification within an engineering or scientific discipline.

Employment Type

Full‑time

EEO Statement

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment or an alternative format, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑to‑senior roles or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.