Ultra Electronics Group
Principal Systems Engineer

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Principal Systems Engineer
Ultra PCS – Employment Opportunities
About the Company
Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) is a leading developer of mission and safety-critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry.
Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected. We solve our customers’ problems, providing engineering solutions to urgency and mission-critical challenges in the air and on the ground.
Our solutions can be found in:
- The latest military aircraft and vehicles
- Civil aircraft
- Unmanned vehicles
We help ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives, and remain operational over the long term.
Our Values and Culture
We believe in "innovating" and "empowering"—values that drive our aspirations. We welcome challenges to work in new ways and trust our teams to deliver results. After all, our business is our people.
Working with Ultra PCS
Flexible Working
Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working arrangements to accommodate diverse lifestyles:
- Hybrid home/office working
- Flexible working hours
- Part-time or full-time roles
If you’re looking to join an exciting team, read on.
Job Description
Principal Systems Engineer
Ultra PCS seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to support the development of the next generation of military land and aerospace products.
The role involves working across a diverse product portfolio, including:
- Electromechanical systems
- Innovative power management and distribution technology
- Electronic command and control products
- Pneumatics systems
- Development of electronic architectures
Key Responsibilities
- Developing solutions for the military land and aerospace industries using a systems engineering approach.
- Engaging in discussions with customers to elicit key stakeholder requirements.
- Translating customer needs into realisable product requirements.
- Conducting requirements-based verification and validation of product specifications, using manual and scripted validation methods.
- Producing:
- Interface control documents
- System design documents
- Supporting engineering deliverables
- Managing engineering change rolls throughout the development lifecycle.
- Preparing:
- Technical proposals, including cost estimation
- Presentations for stakeholders
- Providing technical oversight and mentoring to junior Systems Engineers within project teams.
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Requirements
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, proactively identifying project needs.
- Strong attention to detail, with an eye for:
- Requirements structures and their applicability
- Clear and precise language usage
- System constraints and trade-offs
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Engage in multi-disciplinary technical discussions
- Serve as a technical liaison between customers, project stakeholders, and company authorities
Key Background and Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Systems Engineering.
- Degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in an engineering or science discipline, preferably with a specialism in systems engineering.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary project leadership in designing complex electromechanical, electronic, or embedded software systems.
- Aware of safety-critical system development standards, including (but not limited to):
- DO-178 Series (software/critical elements)
- DO-254 (flight-critical hardware)
- IEC 61508 (functional safety)
- Familiar with industry-standard:
- Software/hardware development tools (eg. MATLAB, Simulink)
- Configuration management systems
- Problem reporting and change control procedures
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Visio, Excel, Word).
Desirable (but not essential)
- Advanced technical leadership in cross-disciplinary teams, resolving complexity across mechanical, electronic, and software solutions.
- Hands-on experience of safety-critical product development under:
- DO-178/DO-254 (aviatics critical)
- IEC 61508 (functional safety)


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Benefits Package
We offer a comprehensive benefits package alongside career development opportunities, recognising that our people are fundamental to our success.
- Flexible working within core business hours
- 25 days annual leave (185 hours), plus option to:
- Buy / sell 5 days (37 hours)
- flexible benefits package
- Bank holidays included
- Life assurance (up to 4x annual salary)
- Workplace pension scheme (up to 8% employer contribution)
- Support for a sports and social club
- Encouragement to participate in regular team-building events
- A supportive, friendly work environment that values diversity
Nationality & Security Requirements
Mandatory Eligibility
- Eligibility to work in the UK without restrictions under UK national law.
- Ability to successfully complete the appropriate level of UK Government National Security Vetting (per criteria defined by the UK Government).
Visual confirmation of eligibility requires human resources review. Applicants at the appropriate level will be subject to Security Vetting under the UK government system before receiving an offer.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. We foster an inclusive culture underpinned by our values, encouraged by behaviours, and supported by policies.
We want you to feel empowered to be your authentic self. Our workplace is mindful and welcoming of:
- Individuals from all backgrounds
- People representing different cultures and experiences (beyond gender, but including these too) We seek to broaden diversity of thought, ensuring excellence in service to our military and commercial customers.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
We assure a fair hiring process and welcome applications from candidates regardless of:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief system
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Culture or nationality
- Age
- Marriage/civil status
- Military service
- Disability
- Other forms of protected characteristic as outlined in UK Employment Law
Applicants with disabilities who need assistance to apply should contact us for support.
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