Senior Systems Engineer - Mission Computing
// Role Summary
Join General Dynamics as a Senior Systems Engineer in St Leonards-on-Sea, leading the development of next-generation mission computing technology for advanced military aircraft. You will take technical ownership of processor platforms and influence product strategy.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and evolution of common processor-based VPX card portfolio.
- Champion Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for new product developments.
- Own the Verification & Validation (V&V) cycle and ensure traceability to requirements.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams for seamless integration.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance on systems engineering methodologies.
// Role Specification
About the Role
As a Senior Systems Engineer within the Core Technologies team at GD-MS UK, you will lead the development and evolution of our common processor-based VPX card portfolio, which supports a wide range of defence programmes and customers. You will provide technical leadership, drive innovation, and ensure these foundational platform components deliver the performance, reliability, and scalability required for demanding operational environments.
A key aspect of the role will be championing the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), applying model-based approaches to new product developments while guiding the transition of existing processor card product lines. You will oversee the integration of MBSE practices alongside traditional documentation methods, ensuring continuity, compliance, and traceability throughout this transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and build comprehensive SysMLv2 requirements models for new processor-based card developments from inception, ensuring consistency and traceability across all system elements.
- Conduct comprehensive systems-level analysis and technical evaluations to identify optimisation opportunities and resolve complex engineering challenges such as FPGA integration, utilising both traditional and model-based approaches.
- Own the Verification & Validation (V&V) cycle, ensuring testing is comprehensively planned and delivered to achieve full sign-off of product design, with complete traceability to requirements models maintained throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with mechanical, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and system compatibility across all project deliverables, promoting adoption of MBSE practices across disciplines.
- Lead technical design reviews and provide expert guidance to junior engineers on both traditional systems engineering and model-based systems engineering methodologies, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, architecture diagrams, and SysMLv2 models, ensuring alignment between document-based and model-based representations.
- Ensure all processor-based card designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational quality standards for defence applications.
- Analyse emerging technologies and industry trends to inform future Digital IO card development strategies and systems engineering practices.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in systems engineering with a focus on processor or hardware design.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail.
- Knowledge of processor architectures and system-level design principles.
- Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience with hardware validation, testing methodologies, and performance analysis.
- Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software, and technical modelling platforms.
- Leadership or mentoring experience within technical engineering environments.
- Familiarity with semiconductor design processes and processor card manufacturing.
- Knowledge of industry standards such as PCIe, DDR, and other relevant specifications.
- Experience with power management, thermal analysis, and signal integrity considerations.
- Background in systems architecture and platform-level design.
- Understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost optimisation principles.
- Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred.
What We Offer
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. 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.
We offer a competitive salary between £50,000 and £60,000 plus a flexible benefits package. Enjoy a compressed nine-day fortnight, meaning every other Friday off, alongside a personalized career development plan and regular progress reviews.
We provide a flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded. Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company. We believe in maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
All successful applicants must be able to obtain UK Security clearance appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to Work checks.