Principal Systems Engineer (Software)

In this role you bridge systems engineering and software development to deliver software-heavy aerospace systems. You’ll define requirements, architect software, and evaluate trade-offs for in-service and new platforms. You’ll work on mission programming tools for RAF systems and next‑gen capabilities for GCAP’s Tempest program, shaping performance and integration across external software systems. You will lead initiatives and mentor peers, contributing to a culture of learning and innovation.

• pension scheme with employer contribution
• flexible leave up to 12 flexi-days
• private healthcare and other lifestyle benefits
• mental health support and wellbeing resources
• bonus scheme
• access to 4,000+ online courses

• Engage with stakeholders to define system and software requirements
• Design software architectures and conduct trade-off analyses
• Improve performance of in-service systems and integrate new functionality
• Design, execute tests and trials to prove function and performance
• Root-cause analysis of anomalies across operation, integration, and evaluation
• Lead technical activities and initiatives
• Mentor other engineers and share knowledge
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals

• Science, maths, or engineering-based degree or equivalent experience
• Experience delivering software-heavy systems in regulated environments
• Experience with DevOps to deliver products
• Knowledge of MBSE or UML modelling
• Knowledge of software technologies, architectures, and testing
• Understanding of software development lifecycles, verification and validation
• Experience with system/software integration

• Good attitude and willingness to learn
• Mentoring and coaching ability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• DevOps practices
• MBSE methodologies
• UML modelling