System Engineer

WINSEARCH UK; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking an experienced System Engineer based in Kent. The successful candidate will contribute to the entire product lifecycle, from concept design to end-of-life. Responsibilities include systems analysis, collaboration with various teams, and supporting new business opportunities. Essential qualifications include a relevant degree and experience in systems engineering within defence or aerospace sectors. This position offers a permanent employment type within a dynamic engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering within defence, aerospace, or precision manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and design verification.

Responsibilities

• Analyse, capture, and produce specifications for complex systems.
• Support the New Product Introduction process identifying technical risks.
• Collaborate with business development teams for technical proposals.

Skills

Systems engineering

Analytical techniques

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related field

Job description

System Engineer

Location: Kent

Sector: Defence, Electro-Optics, Precision Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent

Posted by: Winsearch – Engineering & Technical Recruitment Specialists

Overview

Winsearch is supporting a leading manufacturer within the defence and precision engineering sector in the recruitment of an experienced System Engineer.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute across the entire product lifecycle — from concept design through to end‑of‑life — developing and delivering advanced electro‑mechanical systems. Working as part of a collaborative engineering team, the successful candidate will play a key role in systems analysis, requirements capture, and cross‑disciplinary integration involving electronics, mechanical, and software teams.

You’ll also work closely with commercial, operations, and quality functions to support new business opportunities, generate technical proposals, and provide accurate project estimates that support both innovation and delivery excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse, capture, and produce specifications for complex systems and products.
• Collaborate with business development teams to prepare technical responses, proposals, and documentation that align with commercial objectives.
• Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process by identifying technical risks and proposing robust mitigation strategies.
• Apply best‑practice systems engineering principles and introduce cost‑effective, innovative solutions to meet performance and compliance standards.
• Engage with customers and suppliers as required to support project delivery and product performance.
• Provide technical input to time and cost estimations in collaboration with Product Line Managers.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering within defence, aerospace, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, design verification, and analytical techniques.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Systems Engineering.
• Experience in electro‑optics, electro‑mechanics, or control systems.
• Working knowledge of FMEA, defence environmental standards (MIL‑STDs, DEF‑STANs), and EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with GIS and/or servo‑control systems.

Personal Attributes

• Positive, solution‑focused mindset with strong technical curiosity.
• Highly accountable, ethical, and committed to quality.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines.
• Motivated by problem‑solving and delivering tangible outcomes.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced engineering environment.