Systems Engineering Consultant

PA Consulting; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in London seeks a Systems Engineering Consultant. You will deliver innovative solutions across Defence and Security, applying Systems Engineering techniques to solve complex problems. Ideal candidates have strong analytical and communication skills and experience in client-facing roles. The position offers a hybrid work model and participation in significant projects that shape society.

Benefits

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Annual performance-based bonus

Qualifications

• Experience in Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking applied to complex client challenges.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to develop ingenious solutions.
• Experience working across different stages of the systems engineering lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Work on impactful projects delivering complex solutions.
• Optimize systems across large-scale platforms in Defence.
• Implement AI and machine learning for data analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Creative thinking

Strong communication

Client engagement

Tools

Modeling tools

Architecture frameworks

Job description

Overview

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster, and achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists with deep expertise across sectors and global delivery from offices in the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

Role and Location

Job Description

• Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. The actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site.
• There will be an expectation for you to work from either a PA office and/or client location at least 3x per week
• Travel to client site will be necessary as and when the client requires
• This role can be based from our Bristol, London (Victoria) or Manchester office
• Application deadline: ASAP

Responsibilities

Our Systems Insights & Solutions team are looking for exceptional Systems Engineering Consultants with experience across Defence and Security, Public Services, Transport, Energy and Utilities and more. You will work in blended teams, partnering with specialists from across PA to turn complex, dynamic, and interconnected challenges into opportunity. You will tackle some of PA’s hardest problems by applying proven Systems Engineering and System Thinking techniques to break down and solve complex problems spanning organisations and disciplines (people, process, information, technology).

Our success is driven by our ability to understand the problem and solution spaces, from business need to component design, drawing on knowledge from our diverse team of consultants. We combine Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking to develop practical and innovative systems for complex real-world strategic issues. Our Services range from: Decision & Planning Support, System of Systems & Enterprise Design, Complex Engineering Delivery and Systems Analysis & Resilience. Our deep expertise and collaborative approach ensure we drive impactful outcomes across engagements.

Recent projects include:

• Setting up an enterprise to counter online crime spanning law enforcement, regulators, and social media firms.
• Designing and procuring UK MOD’s future satellite communications services.
• Creating a new international collaboration to design and develop the next generation of fighter jets.
• Embedding a systems approach to capability management and architecture for UK Defence.

As a Systems Insights and Solutions Consultant, you will work on projects with true impact on everyday life, delivering game-changing solutions. Examples of application might include:

• Optimisation of mixed technical-digital systems and Operational Technology across large-scale platforms in Defence
• Use of MBSE to articulate architecture and design
• Implementation of organisational design methodologies to create new ways of working for our clients
• Design of systems-based frameworks and governance models to improve capability procurement and management
• Development of cutting-edge transport solutions shaped by the requirements of modern societies
• Implementation of AI and machine learning to transform data analysis and engineering delivery

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the application of Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking mindset, tools and approaches, helping to resolve a range of complex and societally meaningful client challenges.
• You will have strong analytical skills, and be able to apply creative and abstract thinking to develop ingenious solutions.
• As a client-facing role, you will be expected to engage and present to clients and be a strong communicator (verbal and written), able to highlight recommendations and insights.
• Proven experience working across an engineering enterprise at different stages of the systems engineering lifecycle.

Desirable attributes

• Demonstrated expertise in solution definition and design, particularly in defining system boundaries, identifying interdependencies across the wider ecosystem, and recognising key stakeholders.
• Experience working on system of systems.
• Experience using modelling and/or architecture industry standard tooling, frameworks and languages.
• Experience in process improvement and tailoring.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative way with clients and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Confident working independently as the day-to-day client point of contact.

Apply

Apply today by completing our online application.

Security and Residency

Please be aware that some UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance. All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard; some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous UK residency. We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (British citizen or 5 years of UK residency). Review UK Government guidance on security vetting if unsure about eligibility.

Life at PA and Benefits

Life At PA encompasses our people’s experience. Our purpose guides how we work with clients and teams, support communities, and deliver insight and impact. We are focused on a workplace that values human difference and a culture of inclusion and equality. Find out more about Life at PA here.

We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our people. Benefits include:

• Health and lifestyle perks including private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the option to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity initiatives
• Annual performance-based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax-efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

We’re committed to advancing equality and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Adjustments or accommodations for recruitment can be requested via recruitmentenquiries at PA Consulting.