Principal Systems Engineer
// Role Summary
Lead the delivery of cutting-edge Data Link electronics for a high-priority programme at MBDA's Data Link Centre of Excellence. This role offers a leadership opportunity to guide technology from concept to deployment, protecting UK Armed Forces and allies.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead system design for data links, guiding software, firmware, and hardware teams.
- Architect and execute Verification & Validation (V&V) strategies.
- Provide certification and assurance evidence for equipment deployment.
- Direct complex technical trade studies for effective design decisions.
- Shape your role and leave a lasting mark on MBDA's product portfolio.
- Act as the technical bridge between international project teams and delivery.
// Role Specification
About the Role:
Join the Data Link Centre of Excellence at MBDA, where we design the data carriers for battlespace connectivity solutions. We are looking for a Systems Engineer to take the lead on the delivery of cutting-edge Data Link electronics for an emerging, high-priority programme.
This isn't just a design role; it is a leadership opportunity. You will guide technology through its entire lifecycle from initial concept to in-service deployment, developing critical equipment for Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) to protect the UK Armed Forces and allies.
Joining a small, high-impact team, you will have the autonomy to shape your role and leave a lasting mark on MBDA's product portfolio. You will act as the technical bridge between international project teams and the delivery organisation, driving transformation not only in our products but in our engineering methods.
Your Core Impact:
- Technical Direction: Lead the system design for data links, providing the roadmap and guidance for software, firmware, and hardware implementation teams.
- Verification & Validation: Architect and execute comprehensive V&V strategies to ensure seamless performance across all technical domains.
- Certification & Assurance: Partner with the Equipment Design Authority and Testing teams to provide the critical evidence and assurance required to move equipment from the lab to the field.
- Strategic Leadership: Direct complex technical trade studies, balancing competing requirements with technical feasibility to drive effective design decisions.
What we're looking for:
We are looking for a systems engineer who thrives on complexity.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.