System Engineer

Obsidian; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Obsidian, a defence-focused engineering company in the UK, is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support design, integration and assurance of complex capabilities across the full lifecycle. You will translate operational needs into verifiable solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners; hybrid working and occasional travel may apply.

The role requires strong systems thinking, rigorous documentation and the ability to operate in a regulated,

Qualifications

• Demonstrable systems engineering experience across lifecycle stages.
• Experience in requirements, architecture, integration, or verification and validation.
• Experience with structured processes and controlled documentation.
• Security clearance eligibility and work in regulated defence environments.

Responsibilities

• Capture and manage stakeholder and system requirements.
• Develop system architectures and interface definitions.
• Plan and support system integration, verification, validation and acceptance.
• Maintain traceability and support reviews and design decisions.
• Conduct risk analysis and trade studies to inform decisions.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, safety, security, and test teams.
• Produce clear technical documentation for stakeholders.
• Support configuration management and change control.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements engineering

Architecture design

System integration

Verification & validation

Documentation

Technical risk assessment

Communication

Regulated environments

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Amazon DCV

VDI

Windows Server

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support the design, integration and assurance of complex and critical capabilities within the defence sector. Working across the full systems lifecycle, you will translate operational needs into robust, verifiable solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners. The role will suit a pragmatic engineer who can combine structured systems thinking with sound technical judgement in a regulated, security-conscious environment. Depending on programme needs, the position may involve hybrid working and occasional travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture, analyse and manage stakeholder, operational and system requirements.
• Develop system architectures, interface definitions and design artefacts.
• Plan and support system integration, verification, validation and acceptance activities.
• Maintain requirements traceability and contribute to technical reviews and design decisions.
• Undertake trade studies, risk analysis and option assessment to support evidence-based decisions.
• Work closely with software, hardware, safety, security, test and project teams.
• Produce clear technical documentation and communicate complex issues to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support configuration management, change control and continuous improvement across the engineering lifecycle.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Demonstrable systems engineering experience across one or more lifecycle stages.
• Strong capability in requirements engineering, architecture, integration or verification and validation.
• Experience of working with structured engineering processes and controlled documentation.
• Experience with Windows Server and Active Directory administration to forest owner level, including DNS, DHCP, GPO, ADCS, backup and disaster recovery.
• Ability to identify technical risk, resolve ambiguity and make proportionate recommendations.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with confidence working across organisational boundaries.
• Relevant degree, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in engineering, science or a related discipline.
• Experience within defence, national security or another highly regulated sector.
• Experience with Amazon DCV or comparable remote desktop or VDI technology.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering and tools.
• Knowledge of relevant lifecycle, safety, security or quality standards.

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work, the successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain the level of UK security clearance required for the role. Specific eligibility criteria and any nationality or residency considerations will be discussed confidentially during the recruitment process. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening.