Northrop Grumman UK
Principal Systems Engineer

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Principal Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Location: New Malden (hybrid working) Salary: £65,000 - £72,000
Eligibility:
- UK Citizenship Required – Yes
- Relocation Assistance – Available (where applicable)
- Travel – 10% of the time
At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help shape the technology and solutions of tomorrow
Northrop Grumman UK is on a mission: Defining Possible. As part of our team, you will contribute to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges—delivering innovative systems engineering to support and enhance UK national security.
The Opportunity
You won’t just get a job; you’ll be part of a mission-critical team. As a Systems Engineer, you will lead cutting-edge development and engineering for defence programmes, with a special focus on:
- Multi-domain command and control systems for the Royal Navy and international clients
- Adaptive technology solutions to meet evolving security demands
- Full engineering lifecycle management—from requirements through design, integration, acceptance, and delivery
What You Will Do
Your role will be central and impactful:
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Lead, execute, and manage Systems Engineering activities across entire project lifecycles.
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Develop and review technical documentation (e.g., requirements, design specifications, test reports) in alignment with programme deadlines.
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Convene and deliver key design reviews, including:
- System Requirements Review (SRR)
- Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- Critical Design Review (CDR)
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Oversee supplier and vendor engagements, ensuring strict compliance with project requirements and design baselines.
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Review, challenge, and validate technical documentation from customers and suppliers to guarantee integrity and fitness-for-purpose.
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Collaborate closely with:
- Hardware, Mechanical, Software Development, Verification & Validation (V&V), ILS (Integrated Logistics Support), Cybersecurity, and Safety Engineering teams to deliver cohesive solutions.
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Technical leadership to ensure work packages are delivered on time, to budget, and with precision and quality.
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Support critical risk management, bid submissions, and estimation for business opportunities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- A degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 3–5 years’ experience in systems engineering within:
- Defence
- Maritime/aerospace
- Other regulated safety-critical or security-sensitive environments
- Hands-on experience covering:
- System requirements, design, integration, testing, and life-cycle analysis
- Control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and operational technology (OT)
- Model-Based Design (e.g., SysML, SysML tools such as Enterprise Architect)
- Strong stakeholder and team management skills, including influential communication.
- Familiarity with requirements management tools like DOORS.
- Comprehension of marine environment standards and safety-related systems design.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience in Verification & Validation (V&V), including environmental, EMC, and functional testing.
- INCOSE certificated ASE (Associate Systems Engineer) or CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) preferred but not mandatory.
Security Clearance
Given the nature of the work, eligible candidates must meet UK nationality and residency requirements to undergo and maintain a Security Check (SC) clearance. This is mandatory.
Why Join Northrop Grumman?


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Mission-Driven Work
- Help protect UK national security and enable operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
- Know your contributions directly impact the defence systems that keep the UK safe and forward.
A Place to Belong & Thrive
- A diverse and inclusive workplace that values individual strengths—join a community full of forwards-thinkers.
- Employee networks and partnerships dedicated to defence, engineering, and wellbeing.
- Bring your authentic self to work, supported by mentors and well-structured initiatives.
Your Career, Your Way
- Develop in flexible, growth-driven environments where you can shape your own career path.
- Structured professional development, mentoring, and opportunities to fulfill diverse technical roles.
- Fresh thinking recognized and rewarded.
Benefits Package
- Flexible/hybrid working, including a compressed fortnight (every other Friday off).
- Private healthcare plan.
- Cash health plan for supplementary care.
- Holiday buy and sell options.
- Performance-related bonuses for top contributors.
- Career growth opportunities, mentorship, free technical/soft-skill training programs.
Ready to Get Involved?
- Want to apply? Submit your CV online now.
- Have questions? Reach out for guidance: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com.
- Not yet ready? Explore other opportunities across Northrop Grumman UK—we’re growing across the country.
Northrop Grumman is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and contribute to a more inclusive workforce.
Contact: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Apply today: [Application link] (placeholder link—omit if not given in original)
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