Principal Systems Engineer

We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to support the definition and development of complex defence systems from the earliest stages of the product lifecycle. You will provide technical leadership, shape system-level solutions, and help guide engineering teams through concept and development activities. Location: Stevenage or Bristol On-site Requirement: 3 Days Per Week Seniority: 10+ Years Experience Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance. Key Responsibilities - Lead systems engineering activities across concept and early lifecycle development. - Define system solutions, requirements, and technical trade studies. - Support technical decision-making and systems-level analysis. - Engage with stakeholders to understand evolving operational requirements. - Guide and mentor engineers within the wider systems team. - Support design reviews and programme-level engineering activities. Required Skills - Demonstrable experience leading systems engineering activities across complex engineering programmes. - Strong understanding of requirements development, management, and traceability throughout the system lifecycle. - Experience supporting early-stage concept definition, trade studies, and solution development activities. - Ability to analyse complex technical problems and make informed system-level decisions. - Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing technical direction across multidisciplinary teams. Soft Skills & Collaboration - Proven technical leadership and mentoring capability. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. - Ability to influence and guide engineering teams through complex technical challenges. - Strong collaborative approach to cross-functional engineering delivery. Required Qualifications - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience. Desirable Skills - Experience working on defence or weapon system development programmes. - Familiarity with IBM Rhapsody or comparable systems engineering tools. - Experience supporting concept assessment and feasibility studies. - Exposure to systems architecture and solution definition activities.