System Design Engineer

System Design Engineer – Directed Energy Systems

Location : Bristol

Salary : Circa £55,000 (depending on experience)

Working model : Hybrid – typically 3 days per week on-site

A leading defence technology organisation is seeking a System Design Engineer to contribute to one of the UK’s most advanced weapon system programmes – DragonFire , the nation’s first Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator. Following highly successful recent trials, this ground-breaking project is moving towards the creation of a fully deployable, world-class air defence system.

As part of the Image Processing and Control subsystem team, you’ll play a critical role in developing the electronic and embedded software requirements that enable precision, stability, and accuracy across this revolutionary system.

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing system requirements, verification, and compliance activities within a rapid development schedule.

• Developing complex systems design requirements, particularly for software and embedded control applications.

• Conducting requirement flow-down to design and implementation teams, ensuring traceability and system integrity.

• Leading risk identification and mitigation through detailed trade studies and design reviews.

• Supporting technical mediation and communicating system architecture concepts to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

• Background in electronic engineering, with strong experience in embedded software or firmware requirements.

• Proven experience developing system-level requirements and managing change across evolving baselines.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Experience with tools such as DOORS, DOORS NG, or Rhapsody is desirable.

• Knowledge of lasers or optical physics would be an advantage.

• A collaborative, systems-thinking mindset with a passion for delivering innovative solutions.

Additional details:

Applicants must be British citizens or dual nationals holding British citizenship and will be required to obtain security clearance (BPSS minimum).

This position offers excellent benefits, including a performance-based bonus (up to £2,500), pension contributions up to 14%, flexible working arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and additional flexi leave.

For further information feel free to reach me at , or simply apply!

Reference: AMC/RKI