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# Principal Systems Engineer

- **Company:** General Dynamics Mission Systems
- **Location:** Hastings, UK (Remote available)
- **Salary:** £59,200.0 - £80,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Firmware, Machine Learning, Rhapsody, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis, Safety Critical Systems, Computerised Systems, Information Technology
- **Published:** August 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.co.uk/jobad/gb5d5257d205a740eeec196cecf6fe4cf4

## About the Role

Successful candidates should ideally possess:

 * Experience delivering complex engineering systems.
 * Expert knowledge of systems engineering methods and life-cycle governance.
 * Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and modelling environments (e.g., Rhapsody, PTC Modeler).
 * Strong architectural thinking across hardware, software, firmware, mechanical and integration domains.
 * Skilled in leading technical teams and coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering activities.
 * Exceptional problem-solving and technical judgement.
 * Ability to support business development and shape technical solutions for bids.
 * Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a related technical field; advanced degree desirable.
 * Demonstrated leadership of major system work packages or cross-discipline engineering teams.
 * Experience working with defence, aerospace, maritime, or safety-critical systems environments.
 * Desirable: advanced qualifications in MBSE, airworthiness, safety, or chartership
 * Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

## Description

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV's. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft., We are recruiting Principal Systems Engineers who will play a pivotal role in the development and delivery of next-generation mission computing systems for military aircraft platforms. You will be responsible for the integrity and suitability of the design of next generation mission computing products and for leading the life-cycle management of the product, including design reviews, verification, and qualification activities.
The successful candidate will:

 * Lead the development of system architectures, concepts of operation, and system design specifications for complex products.
 * Act as design authority or technical decision maker for major system work packages.
 * Lead requirements definition, flow-down, optimisation, and traceability across the system lifecycle.
 * Lead integration, verification, validation, and qualification for complex systems.
 * Review and approve engineering documentation produced by project teams.
 * Interface with customers to resolve complex technical challenges and influence system direction


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