System Engineer

Copello is recruiting for Systems Engineers to support a defence communications programme currently progressing between Critical Design Review (CDR) and qualification maturity on a contract basis.

The successful candidates will be capable of leading and delivering individual sub-system work packages, while also contributing hands-on engineering effort to ensure timely completion of design, integration, and qualification activities.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and execute assigned sub-system elements from post-CDR through to qualification readiness.

* Own technical work packages, ensuring delivery to cost, schedule, and quality targets.

* Contribute to overall system integration, ensuring coherent end-to-end solutions.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is required across the team:

* Datalinks

* Integration of COTS datalink solutions

* Repackaging activities including thermal management (e.g. heaters), environmental considerations, and installation constraints

* Cryptographic Systems

* Integration and “wrapping” of MOTS cryptographic packages

* Management of secure interfaces and compliance with defence security requirements

* Remote Ship Terminal (RST)

* End-to-end terminal definition including laptop, datalink, crypto, antennas, cabling

* Small-scale racking / transport cases, power distribution, and deployable configurations

* Low Voltage Power Supply Units (LVPSU)

* Technical interface management with external suppliers

* Supporting qualification activities for supplier-built units currently in development

* Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

* Definition and maturation of equipment for deployed bases

* Packing, handling, transport, and maintenance kits

* Taking partially defined concepts through to complete, usable units

Documentation & Governance

* Produce and mature system-level documentation, including:

* Interface Control Documents (ICDs)

* System Design Documents

* Sub-system specifications and supporting technical artefacts

* Support design reviews, qualification planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential

* Strong background in Systems Engineering within defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated environments

* Proven experience working post-CDR through to qualification

* Ability to both lead technical work packages and deliver detailed engineering outputs

* Experience managing supplier interfaces and integrating COTS/MOTS solutions

* Solid understanding of system integration, interfaces, and configuration control

* Comfortable working in secure, process-driven environments

Role will require candidates to work on clients Buckinghamshire site 4 days a week with occasional 5 days. Role will require candidates to have active SC clearance or eligibility for SC.

Role is paying £75-£77 per hour (inside IR35) and is initially a 6 month contract