Systems Engineer

Carbon60; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence solutions company is looking for a Systems Engineer in Portsmouth to support advanced Military Satellite Communications programmes. The role involves defining system architecture and collaborating with engineering teams. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and experience in designing telecommunications systems. This opportunity includes a flexible working schedule, occasional UK travel, and has a strong likelihood of prolongation beyond six months.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in relevant field required.
• Milsatcom experience desirable for the role.
• Knowledge of satellite platforms and mission control is essential.

Responsibilities

• Capture and define system requirements.
• Support Verification, Validation and Test activities.
• Develop ground system architectural definitions.

Skills

Experience in designing, integrating, and deploying end-to-end digital telecommunications systems

Strong presentation and written communication skills

Confident engaging with customers and partners

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering tools like Enterprise Architect

Job description

Location: Portsmouth, UK
Contract: 6‑month contract (Inside IR35) with strong likelihood of extension
Pay Rate: £55 per hour Umbrella
Clearance: SC Clearance - British Eyes Only (No Dual or Foreign Nationals due to project sensitivity)

About the Role

Our client - an established defence and space organisation - is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support advanced Military Satellite Communications (Milsatcom) programmes. You will contribute to the definition of system architecture across space, control, and ground segments for major UK defence initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work on next‑generation satcom capabilities alongside engineering leads, architects, and partner organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Capture and define system requirements, ensuring complete traceability and verification.
• Support Verification, Validation and Test (VV&T) activities.
• Develop ground system architectural definitions and conduct technical trade‑offs.
• Collaborate with engineering leads and industry partners within integrated working groups.
• Provide technical input to proposals and internal or customer reviews.
• Offer technical guidance to bidding teams.
• Contribute to planning, scheduling, and cost‑estimation activities.
• Communicate progress and resolve technical issues with stakeholders.

About You

• Degree or equivalent in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• Experience in designing, integrating, and deploying end‑to‑end digital telecommunications systems (Milsatcom experience desirable).
• Knowledge and experience of Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE); Enterprise Architect beneficial.
• Understanding of satellite platforms, payloads, mission control, and network control.
• Strong presentation and written communication skills.
• Confident engaging with customers, partners, and internal engineering teams.

Additional Information

• Standard working week: 37 hours, Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm (flexible within business needs).
• Occasional UK travel may be required.
• This position supports current and future workload and may transition into a longer‑term assignment.

How to Apply

If you have experience in Systems Engineering, Milsatcom, or mission‑critical communications and want to contribute to high‑priority national defence programmes, please submit your CV and one of our consultants will be in contact in due course.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.