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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer - Systems Engineering - **Company:** GKN plc - **Location:** Hoogeveen, Netherlands - **Salary:** €6,342.0 - €7,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** LMS Imagine.Lab Amesim, Systems Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Comsol Multiphysics, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Modeling and Simulation, Ansys - **Published:** September 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://careers.gknaerospace.com/talentcommunity/apply/1436285933/?locale=en_US ## About the Role * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline. * Demonstrated experience in design architecture, modelling, and simulation within aerospace, defence, or other advanced technology sectors. * Strong understanding of Systems Engineering principles and methodologies. * Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as: + o MATLAB / Simulink o ANSYS o Star-CCM+ o Comsol o Simscape o Amesim * Experience developing custom engineering models using MATLAB, Python, or similar environments. Ideally but not essential * Experience with UAVs, autonomous systems, missile systems, or other complex defence/aerospace platforms. * Knowledge of system integration including sensors, guidance, navigation, propulsion, datalinks, and mission systems. * Familiarity with aerospace/defence standards, engineering assurance (V&V), and technologies such as Low Observable/RCS analysis Soft skills * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound technical judgement. * Able to work effectively in ambiguous, evolving, and uncertain environments. * Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. * Collaborative systems thinker with strong technical curiosity and an open mindset. * Proactive self-starter passionate about engineering excellence, innovation, and advanced technologies. ## Description You will be part of a dedicated, multidisciplinary project team within GKN to develop, integrate, implement, and verify technical solutions and compliance documentation; compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements, within agreed programme, schedule, and manufacturing constraints. We are looking for a capable, flexible engineer with a passion for technology. Someone eager to contribute to the future of defense innovation and thrive in a dynamic, international environment., Lead System Architecture & Concept Development * Develop and maintain system and vehicle architectures for autonomous and unmanned systems. * Perform trade studies and design optimization activities during conceptual and preliminary design phases. * Support the definition of system requirements, interfaces, and performance targets. * Evaluate alternative design solutions and provide recommendations based on technical and operational performance. Drive Modelling & Simulation Excellence * Develop, manage, and maintain behaviour, performance, and mission-level models. * Perform analyses related to aerodynamics, flight mechanics, vehicle performance, and system interactions. * Establish modelling and simulation strategies to support product development and verification activities. * Ensure modelling approaches are robust, traceable, and aligned with engineering best practices. Apply Systems Engineering Principles * Support requirements management, system decomposition, and integration activities. * Apply systems engineering methodologies throughout the development lifecycle. * Ensure consistency between requirements, architecture, simulations, and design solutions. * Contribute to verification, validation, and technical assurance activities. Collaborate Across Engineering Disciplines * Work closely with specialists from aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, software, electronics, guidance and control, and mission systems disciplines. * Engage with internal and external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and international partners. * Support technical reviews and decision-making processes. * Facilitate effective communication of complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. - Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement * Contribute to the development of advanced engineering methods, tools, and modelling capabilities. * Identify opportunities for improvement in simulation processes and digital engineering practices. * Support technology maturation activities and future product development initiatives. * Promote knowledge sharing and engineering excellence across the organization. ## Related Videos - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Cloud Vendor Lock-In - Is it just a new version of the Database Abstraction Layers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1185-cloud-vendor-lock-in-is-it-just-a-new-version-of-the-database-abstraction-layers) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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