Staff System Engineer

Solutions Driven; Livingston; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Solutions Driven seeks an experienced Staff Systems Engineer to act as the primary technical interface with UK MOD customers. This hands-on, autonomous role will own technical decisions for projects and lead cross-functional teams from concept to delivery in a growth-focused business unit.

With a strong background in MBSE, SysML, and electronic system development, you will operate in a fast-moving, customer-facing environment and contribute to shaping the future of aerospace and defence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
• 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience with electronic product development (analog, digital, or software).
• Proficiency in MBSE methodologies and SysML or similar tools.
• Hands-on capability at subsystem/component level and system architecture level.
• UK nationality or eligibility for UK 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 with senior credibility and communication.
• Collaborate with Business Development in early-stage customer conversations to shape opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional technical teams from concept through delivery and coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Stakeholder communication

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic/Systems Engineering

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