Snr Principal Systems Engineer - Modelling & Simulation– Unmanned Systems

In this role you lead modelling, simulation and control activities to turn mission concepts into validated, field-ready unmanned systems. You’ll work across the full lifecycle, from requirements to field demonstrations, shaping high-fidelity models and flight-critical autonomy functions. You’ll mentor engineers and drive test activities from SIL/HIL to live flight trials, delivering capability that operates in demanding environments. The role offers hands-on leadership at the edge of unmanned systems engineering with a clear impact on real-world deployments.

• Competitive Compensation Package
• 25 days Annual Leave + Public Holidays + option to buy / sell up to 5 days per year
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme with 2:1 matched contributions up to 10%
• Private Medical Insurance
• Health & Wellbeing Cash Plan
• Life Assurance & Group Income protection scheme participation

• Lead modelling, simulation and control activities for complex unmanned systems to validate field-ready capability
• Design high-fidelity 6-DOF digital models representing dynamics and mission performance
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering to inform design decisions
• Develop, test, tune and deploy flight-critical control laws and autonomy functions
• Create resilient trajectory guidance, mission tasking, and GNSS-denied navigation algorithms
• Build integrated simulation environments combining dynamics, controls, sensors, and comms
• Support SIL, HIL, and full-scale testbed activities including Iron Bird
• Embed control and autonomy code onto embedded platforms
• Define onboard data interfaces (CAN, serial, Ethernet) and human control interfaces
• Support experimental flight testing, post-flight analysis and real-time data review
• Develop rapid analysis tools for UAS flight logs and debugging
• Diagnose and repair UAS onboard control systems in lab and field
• Review architectures, CONOPS and test scenarios; identify risks and mitigation
• Support export-controlled technologies including ITAR-related designs
• Mentor junior engineers through design, verification, validation and demonstrations

• Deep technical experience in modelling, simulation, flight controls or unmanned systems
• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or equivalent experience
• Significant experience in aerospace/defense/robotics/autonomy/unmanned systems environments
• Expert MATLAB and Simulink experience
• Strong Stateflow experience for state-machine driven design
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink projects, requirements, version control, data dictionaries, test harnesses and model validation
• MATLAB/Simulink code generation for embedded deployment
• Experience integrating UAV flight control computers and autopilots
• Experience creating automated test data processing scripts and simulation model test harnesses
• Experience with SIL/HIL test design for 6-DOF models
• Experience with onboard data interfaces (CAN, serial, Ethernet)
• Experience with FMEA/FHA for unmanned systems; safety-related design considerations
• Experience integrating, testing or demonstrating UAS payloads, sensors, and datalinks
• Strong stakeholder-facing skills and ability to work under pressure
• Ability to obtain SC security clearance and travel internationally
• Experience in mentoring and leading modelling/simulation teams

• Stakeholder-facing communication
• Mentoring and team leadership
• Capable under pressure
• MATLAB
• Simulink
• Stateflow