Systems Engineer 

The Company

Our client is a leading provider of advanced defence, intelligence and communications technologies, delivering specialist solutions that support critical military operations. With expertise spanning complex electronic systems, secure communications and defence platforms, they work closely with UK and international customers to develop, maintain and enhance mission-critical capabilities.

The Opportunity

We are working on behalf of our client to recruit an experienced Systems Engineer to join an established engineering team supporting the ongoing development, modification, flight testing and in-service support of a family of airborne laser designation pods used within the military aviation sector.

This position sits within a specialist operational business unit and offers the opportunity to work across the full engineering lifecycle, from resolving operational issues and managing airworthiness requirements to supporting equipment upgrades, customer integration and future business development.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in avionics and aircraft-level systems engineering, alongside the ability to engage confidently with technical teams, programme stakeholders and international customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and analyse operational and maintenance issues experienced by the RAF, developing technical solutions and recommendations to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Oversee safety and airworthiness matters, ensuring engineering activities and equipment modifications comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with programme management to deliver engineering outputs to agreed schedules, budgets and quality standards.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with UK and international stakeholders, including defence organisations, aircraft manufacturers, the UK Ministry of Defence, the RAF and overseas military customers.
• Identify potential opportunities for further business growth associated with the supported laser designation pod systems.
• Plan and coordinate equipment modifications across airborne and ground-based systems, balancing cost, technical requirements and continued operational capability.
• Liaise with field service engineers, suppliers and programme teams to produce accurate technical reports and fulfil existing and future contractual support obligations.
• Support customer integration activities, equipment demonstrations and flight trials.
• Communicate complex engineering information clearly and effectively to stakeholders with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Develop and review technical proposals, assessing resource requirements, costs, delivery risks and engineering effort to support successful bids and contract awards.
• Ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately in accordance with company security policies.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required by the business.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Willingness and eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Extensive experience working within military avionics, with a strong understanding of aircraft-level systems.
• An engineering degree or equivalent practical experience, technical knowledge and understanding of airborne electro-optical systems.
• Significant experience or relevant qualifications in aircraft systems safety and airworthiness.
• Proven experience engaging with and presenting technical information to UK and international suppliers, customers and end users.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical matters to a broad audience.