Principal Systems Engineer​/Technical Lead

Lead. Influence. Shape the Future.

A rare opportunity has opened for an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to take a senior technical leadership role within a high-performing engineering team delivering advanced Naval Combat System capabilities.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of hands‑on engineering and strategic leadership. You'll guide a multidisciplinary team of systems, software and network engineers, drive successful program outcomes, and play a key part in shaping the future capability of the group.

If you're looking for a role where your technical authority genuinely influences direction, not just delivery, this is it.

• Leading a mixed-discipline engineering team, providing guidance, mentorship, and technical oversight
• Owning technical delivery across complex defence programmes
• Working closely with Project Managers to ensure project milestones, quality and performance targets are met
• Remaining hands‑on with engineering activities, particularly around system design, integration and problem‑solving
• Steering the development of tools, methods and engineering processes
• Shaping future team structures, capabilities and long‑term technical strategy
• Acting as a senior point of expertise within the Naval Combat Systems domain

• 10+ years of systems engineering experience
• Proven experience leading or technically guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong track record of delivering complex system‑of‑systems or mission‑critical solutions
• Ability to influence across engineering, project management and customer stakeholders
• A forward‑thinking approach to engineering practice, process improvement and team capability growth

• High level of autonomy and influence
• Chance to shape both technical direction and team development
• Impactful work within a secure, mission‑critical environment
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge synthetic, simulation and naval systems

• You must be a UK National
• Must be eligible for SC clearance (sponsorship available)