Systems Engineer - Nuclear Hardening

meritus are recruiting for a systems engineer in nuclear hardening to join a defence client of ours based in portsmouth on an initial 6 month contract.

systems engineer - nuclear hardening - inside ir35 - £80 per hour - portsmouth, onsite - sc cleared (required on application) - 6 months + likely extension - sector: defence

meritus are recruiting for a nuclear hardening systems engineer to support a leading defence and communications programme focused on secure military ground infrastructure.

this role will focus on the design, analysis, verification, and certification of ground-based communications and control system installations operating within highly regulated defence environments. You will work across the full system lifecycle, developing installation solutions that meet demanding operational, environmental, and compliance requirements.

the position would suit candidates with experience in defence systems, electrical installation design, communications infrastructure, emc/emi engineering, systems integration, or military ground systems.

• develop compliant installation designs for critical communications and control systems.
• capture and analyse customer and stakeholder requirements.
• define system architectures and installation solutions.
• produce technical documentation, analysis reports, and compliance evidence.
• develop verification, validation, and acceptance test plans.
• assess installation environments and identify appropriate mitigation strategies.
• conduct engineering trade studies and impact assessments.
• manage system interfaces and integration activities.
• support equipment selection, installation, testing, and customer acceptance.
• liaise with customers, suppliers, and specialist test facilities to ensure technical compliance.
• support engineering activities throughout the system lifecycle, from concept through to operational deployment.

• experience designing or supporting electrical equipment installations within defence, aerospace, communications, or critical infrastructure environments.
• knowledge of electrical systems, equipment racks, power distribution, cabling, grounding, and installation standards.
• understanding of electromagnetic interference (emi), electromagnetic compatibility (emc), and mitigation techniques.
• experience producing engineering documentation, test plans, and verification evidence.
• systems engineering experience across requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation activities.
• strong stakeholder management and technical communication skills.

• knowledge of nuclear hardening (nh), emp protection, or resilient infrastructure standards.
• experience within military communications, satellite communications, or secure network environments.
• familiarity with military ground installations and associated engineering standards.
• experience engaging with test houses, certification authorities, or defence customers.
• security‑cleared defence project experience.

• degree qualified in electrical engineering, systems engineering, electronic engineering, communications engineering, or a related discipline.
• chartered engineer status or working towards professional registration is desirable.