Principal Systems Engineer - Defence

• Compensation: GBP 55,000 - GBP 65,000 - yearly

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting‑edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Engage in the early definition and development of complex Command & Control systems with ALTEN Ltd
. Join our team as a Principal Systems Engineer
, working at the very front end of the engineering lifecycle to define architectures, requirements and concepts from first principles. You’ll operate within uncertain and evolving domains, shaping system solutions for complex aerospace, land and maritime environments, while providing technical leadership and guidance across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Location: Berkshire
On‑site: Hybrid, 3 days per week
Seniority: Principal
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, with strong focus on concept and early definition phases
• Define and develop system requirements and architectures within complex, evolving environments
• Conduct architecture and design trade studies
  , documenting options, risks and recommendations
• Scope and plan engineering activities across the full product lifecycle
• Produce high‑quality technical documentation and reports to support decision‑making
• Apply strong understanding of military communication systems and heterogeneous networks
• Perform system modelling using tools such as Enterprise Architect or Cameo
• Support networking and security function definition at system and sub‑system level
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to less experienced engineers

Required Skills

• Significant experience as a Systems Engineering practitioner
• Strong background in early‑stage concept development and architecture definition
• Proven ability to define and manage system and sub‑system requirements
• Experience performing architecture trade studies and technical assessments
• Knowledge of military and civil aerospace systems and environments
• Experience with system modelling tools (Enterprise Architect, Cameo or similar)
• Strong stakeholder engagement and customer‑facing capability
• Confident technical communicator with strong coaching ability
• Comfortable working under pressure in complex programmes
• Sound judgement when balancing technical requirements, cost, risk and constraints
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across disciplines

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
  in Engineering, or relevant
  technical military background
  with equivalent experience.
• Experience across airborne, land and maritime systems
• Knowledge of open/reference architectures (MOSA, SOSA, Pyramid, MDIS)
• Background in C2 or information management systems
• Understanding of communications systems, datalinks and networks (e.g. Link 16)

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings &team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including…