Lead Systems Engineer
// Role Summary
Lead or Principal Systems Engineer role for General Dynamics Mission Systems, focusing on the development and delivery of next-generation mission computing systems for military aircraft. You will guide engineering teams through the entire system lifecycle, ensuring compliance and technical integrity.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full systems engineering lifecycle from needs analysis to delivery and certification.
- Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams (software, hardware, safety).
- Manage requirements using DOORS, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
- Conduct risk management and change control governance.
- Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for system development.
- Work on safety-critical mission computing systems for military aircraft.
// Role Specification
About the Role
As a Lead or Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development and delivery of next-generation mission computing systems for military aircraft platforms. You will lead cross-disciplinary engineering teams through the full system life-cycle, ensuring regulatory compliance, technical integrity, and stakeholder alignment. Your structured approach, calm leadership under pressure, and commitment to ownership will be key to delivering high-performance, safety-critical systems in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the integrity and suitability of the design of next generation mission computing products and for leading the life-cycle management of the product, including design reviews, verification, and qualification activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the full systems engineering life-cycle from stakeholder needs analysis through to delivery, verification, and certification.
- Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams across software, hardware and safety domains.
- Manage requirements using DOORS, ensuring traceability, audit readiness, and V&V evidence.
- Conduct risk management reviews and change control governance for engineering activities.
- Utilise Model Based Systems Engineering to create a robust model of the system being developed
- Follow Systems Engineering processes to develop technical solutions to engineering problems
- Collaborate with the system, hardware and software architects to ensure consistency, design for modularity and re-use, and technical excellence
- Involvement in the full life-cycle from requirements analysis to delivery
What We're Looking For:
- Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline
- Extensive experience across the full Systems Engineering lifecycle
- Proven leadership skills in coordinating multidisciplinary teams
- Expertise in requirements management, traceability, and audit-ready documentation
- Proficiency with DOORS and Excel-based planning tools
- Understanding of certification processes and regulatory standards
- Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Strong knowledge of Avionic System engineering challenges
- Demonstrated high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism
- Flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery in fast-paced environments
What We Offer:
- Salary between £59,200 and £80,000 plus a flexible benefits package.
- Hybrid working options (typically 3 days in office, 1 day remote).
- A compressed nine-day fortnight (every other Friday off).
- Personalized career development plan with regular progress reviews.
- Flexible working environment recognizing and rewarding contributions.
About General Dynamics Mission Systems:
General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.
In St Leonards-on-Sea, we provide avionic mission computing systems for military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. We are developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of the latest platforms in development.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.