Principal Systems Engineer

Expleo Group

. Provide systems engineering and technical leadership across complex defence and maritime products .

Posted 10/2/2026contractBarnstaple • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering principles, requirements management, and technical leadership within multi-disciplinary teams. Capable of managing complex work packages through the engineering lifecycle while ensuring compliance and quality standards are met.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Engineering PrinciplesRequirements ManagementTechnical LeadershipIntegration and VerificationTechnical Problem Solving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Requirements CaptureTraceabilityVerification PlanningTest Procedure ReviewTechnical DocumentationSystems IntegrationQualification ActivitiesRisk-Based Decision-MakingFAT SupportEngineering Lifecycle Management

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam LeadershipStakeholder CollaborationTechnical MentoringClear Technical Writing

Tools & Technologies

IBM DOORSMBSE ToolsCameoEnterprise Architect

Certifications & Qualifications

Chartered Engineer StatusINCOSE ASEPCSEP

Industry Keywords

Defence StandardsMarine SystemsSafety-Critical EnvironmentsConfiguration ManagementEngineering Change Control

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide systems engineering and technical leadership across complex defence and maritime products
Progress defined work packages through design, integration, qualification, test and acceptance
Take technical ownership of systems engineering work packages to agreed cost, schedule and quality expectations
Provide technical leadership and mentoring within a multi-disciplinary engineering team
Manage requirements through capture, analysis, decomposition, traceability, verification and acceptance
Develop and maintain specifications, interface definitions, compliance evidence, V&V plans and technical reports
Support system architecture, design development, trade studies and technical decision-making
Plan and support integration, verification, validation and qualification activities
Support Factory Acceptance Testing and formal tests through readiness, procedure review, witnessing, fault investigation, evidence capture and issue close-out
Assess test results and qualification evidence against requirements, identifying gaps, risks and corrective actions
Support transition of prototypes and development solutions into repeatable, supportable products
Contribute technical inputs, estimates and delivery approaches to bids and work package planning
Collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain delivery progress
Apply engineering governance, configuration control, change management and assurance processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree or equivalent qualification in Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or another relevant engineering discipline
Eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Experience using IBM DOORS or a comparable requirements management tool
Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles across the engineering lifecycle
Ability to lead technical work packages within multi-disciplinary teams
Requirements capture, analysis, decomposition, traceability and verification planning
Practical understanding of integration, verification, validation, qualification and acceptance
Ability to review test procedures, support formal testing and assess evidence against requirements
Technical problem solving, root-cause investigation and risk-based decision-making
Clear technical writing and concise, auditable engineering documentation
Effective communication with customers, suppliers, engineering specialists and project stakeholders
Ability to balance technical quality with cost, schedule and delivery priorities
Experience delivering systems engineering activities across multiple lifecycle stages
Experience leading or owning technically complex work packages with limited supervision
Experience in requirements management and traceable verification and qualification evidence
Experience with system integration, formal test, FAT, qualification or acceptance activities
Experience investigating test failures and resolving issues in a practical engineering environment
Experience working with customers, suppliers and multi-disciplinary stakeholders
Experience producing and reviewing specifications, test documentation, technical reports and assurance evidence
Must attend the Barnstaple site two days per week and travel to other sites when required
Some assignments may require attendance at customer, secure or classified sites
Desirable: Chartered Engineer status or evidence of working towards professional registration
Desirable: Relevant systems engineering training or certification, such as INCOSE ASEP, CSEP or equivalent
Desirable: Training or certification in requirements management, MBSE, test or qualification methods
Desirable: Experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo or Enterprise Architect
Desirable: Understanding of system, subsystem and equipment-level hardware and software interfaces
Desirable: Knowledge of configuration management, engineering change control and design assurance
Desirable: Familiarity with defence standards, marine systems or regulated and safety-critical environments

Benefits

Comp & perks

Collaborative working environment
Opportunities to expand skills and take part in inspiring projects
Expleo Academy accredited training courses
Competitive company benefits
Inclusive and accessible recruitment process
Reasonable adjustments and support for disabled employees
Equal opportunities employer
Additional support and adjustments to help everyone thrive