Senior System Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead a pivotal role in a major defence project. This position involves driving the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary systems that encompass advanced sensors and electronics. As the Systems Design Authority, you will guide a talented engineering team through the entire development lifecycle, ensuring technical governance and mentoring junior engineers. Your contributions will be crucial in shaping future system enhancements and technology roadmaps, making a significant impact within a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering complex systems in regulated sectors.
• Experience in end-to-end system lifecycle from design to acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Act as Systems Design Authority, supporting the Project Manager.
• Oversee system design, development, integration, and testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

C++

Java

C#

Sonar Systems

Signal Processing

Agile Development

Technical Leadership

Mentoring

Education

BSc/BEng in Engineering

Equivalent Experience

Tools

Windows

Linux

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

We are looking for a highly experienced and enthusiastic Senior Systems Engineer to take a pivotal leadership role as Systems Design Authority on a major defence project. In this position, you will drive the delivery of a complex, multidisciplinary system comprising advanced sensors, electronics, and signal processing firmware/software to key customers.

As the most senior engineer on the project, you will guide a cross-functional engineering team through the entire development lifecycle—from concept to customer acceptance. You'll also provide strong technical governance, mentor junior engineers, and support the Project Manager in communicating with internal and external stakeholders. This role will be instrumental in identifying and supporting future system enhancements and technology roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Systems Design Authority, supporting the Project Manager on all technical matters and serving as the project’s technical lead.
• Oversee system design, development, integration, and testing to ensure all customer and regulatory requirements are met.
• Develop and review technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and qualification procedures.
• Coordinate and supervise integration, validation, and qualification activities—including those at external test facilities.
• Provide technical leadership to software, firmware, and hardware teams, ensuring alignment with system-level performance requirements.
• Chair and participate in design reviews and customer acceptance events.
• Manage project-level technical risks and opportunities.
• Support R&D activities and contribute to the evolution of system architectures and technical strategies.
• Engage with the business development team to create robust technical proposals and identify future opportunities.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence across the team.
• Collaborate with other Design Authorities and Project Managers to resolve cross-project challenges.
• Support the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable products throughout their lifecycle.

Requirements & Experience

• Proven track record in delivering complex systems within the defence or similarly regulated sectors.
• End-to-end system lifecycle experience—from design and development to testing, integration, and acceptance.
• Strong background in sonar systems, with experience in software design, algorithm development, and signal processing.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, C#) and operating systems (Windows & Linux).
• In-depth knowledge of electronics and firmware design principles.
• Experience with agile or spiral development methodologies.
• Ability to clearly present technical concepts to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and customers.
• Skilled in mentoring, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing engineering deliverables within time and quality constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and manage technical risks.
• Experience in bid and proposal development, including system architecture design.
• Chartered status or membership in a professional Engineering or Science Institute preferred.

Qualifications & Other Requirements

• BSc/BEng degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Sole UK National (due to project sensitivity).
• Eligible for Security Clearance (SC or DV).
• Valid UK Driving Licence.

If you're ready to make a significant impact within a dynamic and forward-thinking defence organisation, we’d love to hear from you.