System Engineer

Overview

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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