Senior Systems Verification & Validation Engineer

ALTEN; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy based in Reading is seeking a Senior V&V Systems Engineer. The role involves overseeing verification and validation activities for advanced aerospace and defence systems, ensuring system integrity and performance. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in a relevant field, with strong skills in system integration, compliance verification, and familiarity with industry standards. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle & Tech Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Flexible way of working

Diversity of engineering projects

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in system verification and validation (V&V) within aerospace, defence, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of system integration and test methodologies.
• Proficiency with requirements traceability and compliance verification.

Responsibilities

• Lead system verification and validation (V&V) activities for aerospace and defence applications.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and reports for compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and validate complex systems.

Skills

System verification and validation (V&V)

System integration

Test methodologies

Requirements traceability

Compliance verification

Test automation tools

Scripting languages (e.g., Python)

Industry standards (e.g., DO-178C)

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

Polarion

Job description

Company Description

ALTENis a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

Join our team as a V&V Systems Engineer and take ownership of verification and validation activities for advanced aerospace and defence systems. In this role, you’ll ensure the integrity and performance of critical communication and avionics platforms, contributing to projects that enhance operational safety and mission success. Your expertise will be key to delivering robust, compliant systems in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

Location: Reading

On-site: 4 days per week

Seniority: Senior (5 years of experience)

Clearance: Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and capable of obtaining BPSS clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system verification and validation (V&V) activities for aerospace and defence applications.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and reports to ensure compliance with industry standards and project requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and validate complex systems, focusing on air or land-based platforms.
• Identify, document, and track system issues, working closely with engineers to resolve discrepancies.
• Support risk management and mitigation activities throughout the system lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring best practices in V&V processes.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• 5 years of experience in system verification and validation (V&V), ideally within aerospace, defence, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of system integration and test methodologies.
• Experience with requirements traceability and compliance verification.
• Proficiency in Polarion for requirements and test management.
• Proficiency in test automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python).
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, or MIL-STD).

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Adaptability in fast-paced, regulated environments.
• Proactive approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field, OR relevant technical military background with equivalent hands‑on experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, DOORS).
• Familiarity with real-time embedded systems and communication protocols.
• Background in defence or aerospace standards and safety‑critical systems.
• Exposure to risk management frameworks and certification processes.

Additional Information

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.