Staff System Engineer

Solutions Driven; Livingston; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Solutions Driven is seeking an experienced Staff Systems Engineer to help grow a new Aerospace & Defence capability for UK MOD customers from the ground up. You will be the primary technical interface, owning technical decisions and shaping relationships as the business unit is built.

In this hands-on role you will develop architectures, drive MBSE modelling, and guide cross-functional teams from concept through to delivery with autonomy and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Aerospace or Systems Engineering.
• 5+ years in Systems Engineering for electronic product development (analog, digital, or software).
• Proficient in MBSE methodologies and SysML.
• Hands-on experience at subsystem and system-architecture levels.
• UK nationality or eligible for UK national security vetting/clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-level system architectures, requirements, and MBSE models.
• Lead design trade studies and performance modelling for complex electronic systems.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for UK MOD customers.
• Partner with Business Development in early-stage customer conversations, shaping opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional technical teams from concept through to delivery.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure smooth transition from design to production.

Skills

Systems Engineering

MBSE

SysML

Hardware design

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SysML

MBSE

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Steff System Engineer to join our client - a global electronics manufacturer with an established presence across healthcare, industrial, and life sciences sectors, now investing seriously in growing their Aerospace & Defence capability, with a particular focus on UK MOD customers.

This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of that growth, helping shape the technical direction, standards, and customer relationships of a business unit that is actively being built out. You won't be inheriting a fully-formed team or process; you'll be helping create it.

The Role

As Staff Systems Engineer, you'll be the primary technical interface between our client and their UK MOD customers. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role (with dotted-line project team leadership) rather than a formal people-management position; you'll be expected to operate with significant autonomy, own technical decision-making for your projects, and act as a trusted technical voice both internally and externally.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain high-level system architectures, requirements, and MBSE models
• Lead design trade studies and performance modelling for complex electronic systems
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers — building trust and credibility through deep technical competence and clear communication
• Partner with Business Development colleagues in early-stage customer conversations, helping shape and win new opportunities before contracts are even signed
• Lead cross-functional technical teams from concept through to delivery
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain partners to ensure smooth transition from design to production

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience, with a genuine track record in electronic product development (analogue, digital, or software)
• Proficiency in MBSE methodologies and tools (e.g. SysML)
• Comfortable working at a hands-on, sub-system/component level (e.g. electronics cabinets, PCB-level assemblies) as well as system architecture level
• UK nationality, or eligibility for UK national security vetting/clearance

Highly desirable:

• Direct experience with UK MOD customers or programmes
• Experience in electronic warfare, communications, or sensor systems
• Any experience supporting bids, proposals, or early-stage customer/business development conversations
• Based in or willing to relocate to Central Scotland

What will make you stand out: this role suits someone who is as comfortable in a customer meeting as they are in a design review — someone who can translate technical depth into commercial trust.

Why Apply

• Genuine autonomy and influence in shaping a growing business area from an early stage
• Direct customer exposure — you won't be buried three layers removed from the people who use what you build
• Competitive salary and benefits, with flexibility on package for the right candidate