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Senior Systems Engineer
Senior Systems Engineer – Disrupting Defence and Space Systems
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
About the Role
At Thales UK, we empower armed forces and defence customers with cutting-edge mission system solutions—spanning Above-йSonar, Electronic Combat, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and more. Our work ensures operational advantage at every critical moment, safeguarding defence capabilities on land, at sea, and in the air.
This Senior Systems Engineer role is your chance to drive innovation, lead cross-functional design teams, and deliver technically robust, cost-effective solutions in a fast-paced environment. Balancing mentorship, technical leadership, and system optimisation, you’ll be at the forefront of defence technology development—helping shape systems that enhance global safety and efficiency.
Thriving on collaboration and agility, we offer dynamic flexible working—whether it’s remote options, flexible hours, or tailored roles—so you can design your career around the life you want. Security clearance is mandatory (UK passport holder & security check).
Key Responsibilities
1. Systems Engineering Leadership
- Manage the systems engineering process and standards across assigned work packages, ensuring compliance with company and global regulations.
- Mentor and mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance, defining roles, and supporting professional development in systems engineering.
- As the technical focal point, resolve complex system-related issues, escalate disputes, and ensure seamless integration across teams.
2. System Definition and Design
- Translates customer requirements into conceptual designs, performing trade-offs, simulations, and operational analyses to evaluate design feasibility.
- Develops and executes test specifications, series acceptance testing, and performance validations, collaborating closely with stakeholders to align design objectives.
- Authorises design tool output (e.g., DOORS, SysML, System Architect) and ensures quality standards met, recording progress through metrics and documentation.
3. Technical and Operational Devise
- Generates system and subsystem requirements, interface specifications, and threat analysis reports, mapping operational limits, constraints, and performance guarantees to customers.
- Uses analytical simulations to identify critical driving requirements, feasibility assessments, and operational design parameters for concept adoption.
- Leads interdisciplinary teams through design-for-production feasibility, technical cost assessments, and cost reduction studies.
4. Process and Standards Management
- Proposes and implements process improvements, adhering to CHORUS2 best practices, configuration control, and Engineering Safety Management (ESM) protocols.
- Demonstrates cutting-edge industry knowledge of ISR, EW, Sonar, or electronic systems by publishing feedback or training material, bridging gaps between emerging technologies.
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Principal Relationships
You will interface with a broad spectrum of teams, ensuring coherent execution across:
- Designer & integration teams (testing, installation, and system functional departments)
- Polish Project Coordination, Bid Development, and Commercial Teams
- Customer Clients (defence armed forces, probicides, and commercial stakeholders)
Key Performance Outcomes (KPIs)
Scoring excellence against Thales’ core values, your performance will reflect: ✅ Quality: Alignment with design standards, documentation rigor, and technological discipline ✅ Schedule: Reliable delivery—adherence to deadlines without compromising output quality ✅ Budget: Cost efficiency, seeking opportunity cost trade-offs intelligent knowledge of costing ✅ Client Satisfaction: Customer-centric solutions—testing metrics and defect management feedback loop ✅ Team Performance: Leadership, mentorship, and adherence to training commitments
Essential Requirements
A. Professional & Subjectory Skills
- Degress/ Records: HNC/HND completion or Engineering Degree (equivalent through industry or certifications preferred)
- Clearance: Must be a UK-born British citizen and eligible for full Security Clearance (SC) from reference.
- Tools & Methods: Proven competency in:
- Systems engineering tools (DOORS, System Architect, JIRA)
- Software Engineering Safety (ESP) Analysis and Thales’ I&W (Integrity and Work control) life cycle frameworks
- Configuration Control, CHORUS2 implementation (tailoring for project archeology)
B. Methodologies & Knowledge
- Strong grasp of system engineering methodology, MIL-STD-882D, DO-178C/DO-297 compliance, and custom governance processes.
- Hands-on expertise in tradable off-shot analysis, formal hazard/safety models, and report writing.
C. Interpersonal & Process Competencies
| Experience | Soft Skills & Behaviours |
|---|---|
| 3+ years in System Design/Haul Design role | Interpersonal acumen: Ability to facilitate diverse stakeholders at all levels of the project hierarchy. |
| Global delivery on NATO/ISSD recommended or military standards | Pressure handling: Ability to deliver consistent output in complex, accelerating timelines. |
| Working knowledge of Defence/ISR/Aerospace DoDs or IT standards (e.g. ISO/IEC14598) | Ethical & Social Responsibility: Alignment with higher purpose for public safety and ethical engineering. |
Desirable
- Proactive in deploying team-level quality assurance frameworks linked to KPI targets.
- Certified professional status (IEEE-SA, InCOSE-AP, INCOSE) or active engagement in certification pathways.
- Independently achieved past Security Clearance (SC), simplifying accessibility post-government background checks required.
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Values & Conduct at Thales
Core to our environment, every System Engineer is accountable to uphold:
- Innovation & Problem-Solving: Seek innovative solutions, inspire technical growth, and stand as standards-enforcers.
- Team-centric collaborative guideline: Harness the collective genius of peers for superior product outcomes, building knowledge transfer networks.
- Continuous Development Advocacy: Mentor others to share insights, ensuring talented progressions across engineering resources.
- Customer Obsession: Advocate for customer outcomes in every stage and elicit engagement.
- Safety First: Embedding operational safety in design, aligning with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance protocols.
- Ethical Vigilance: Demonstrable adherence to Thales Code of Practice, GDPR, and security policies.
For more details on employee commitments, see Thales Code of Conduct.
Practical Security Considerations
Security Clearance Requirement: Broad access to classified information demands the candidate hold a discreet UK passport I DV status, and undergo a full pre-employment SC check. For clearance requirements, refer to UK Security Vetting Service; clearances should be maintained throughout your tenure at Thales.
Benefits & Career Development
Thales is not just offering you a job—it’s an investment in your lasting career growth. We offer:
- Global Quantum Mobility: Explore opportunities aligned with career evolution indoors, maximizing new sectors and regions.
- Flex & Work Patterns: Choose schedules tailored to your work-life fit. Remote, hybrid, or distributed models available.
- Resilience Support: Neurodiversity inclusivity assured—contact Resourcing Ops directly to discuss tailored interventions.
- Long-Term Security: Building careers, not roles. Act on the collective knowledge of thousands shaping industry on the Coltscale.
Pre-Employment Support: If you require reasonable adjustment, media circulation version, or additional guidance regarding processes, contact Resourcing Ops (Mid/Senior Roles) for recommendation.
How to Start Your Journey Here
Give your career trajectory the disruption it deserves. Fill out [THALES SikEgGIL12] here, or join our discussions today! Great engagement starts here. Submissions count.
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All offers made under an open-ended engagement after achievement of viable security clearance.
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