Senior System Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead requirements definition and system validation. This hybrid role in Coventry offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to influence system behaviour and stakeholder success through technical oversight and strategic engagement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Systems Engineer in defence or complex engineering.
• Expert knowledge of requirements engineering and acceptance processes.
• Strong documentation and validation skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and validate system-level requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Lead stakeholder needs analysis and ensure alignment with operational expectations.
• Provide system-level acceptance evidence and manage requirement closure.

Skills

Requirements Engineering

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Reporting

Job description

Job Description

Principal Systems Engineer (Requirements & Acceptance)

Location: Coventry (Hybrid – 2/3 days Per Week)

Salary: Up to £61,500

Job Type: Permanent

Overview

We’re working with a major defence programme to find a Principal Systems Engineer with the expertise to lead requirements definition, system validation, and stakeholder acceptance activities across a complex engineering lifecycle. This is a hands-on, leadership-level role that blends technical oversight with strategic systems thinking.

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll work at the intersection of design, compliance, and stakeholder engagement—ensuring that every system requirement is not just met, but proven. From system requirements and validation criteria to acceptance testing and closure, you’ll be the authority who brings clarity and confidence to the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, manage, and validate system-level requirements, acceptance criteria, and verification plans across the design-build-commission lifecycle.

• Lead stakeholder needs analysis to ensure alignment between engineering output and operational expectations.

• Provide system-level acceptance evidence and manage requirement closure through formal review and validation events.

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, safety standards, environmental legislation, and engineering best practice.

• Support bid estimates, planning activities, and governance for future phases of work.

• Provide technical mentoring and domain knowledge across the wider engineering team.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior Systems Engineer or similar role in the defence, maritime, or complex engineering sectors.

• Expert knowledge of requirements engineering and acceptance processes, with a strong grasp of the entire engineering lifecycle.

• Ability to lead stakeholder engagement, interpret contractual requirements, and influence system-level outcomes.

• Familiarity with safety, SHE (Safety, Health, Environment), and compliance standards.

• Comfortable working across interconnected projects and teams, understanding how various disciplines integrate within a platform or system.

• Strong documentation, validation, and technical reporting skills.

If you're ready to take on a strategic role where your decisions define system behaviour and stakeholder success, we want to hear from you. Apply below or contact Declan Bryson at Anson McCade on 07529 161950 quoting the below reference.

AMC/DB/PSERA/1