Northrop Grumman UK
Systems Engineer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Principal Systems Engineer
Location: New Malden (hybrid working)
Salary: £65,000 - £72,000
What’s Your Possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you will help shape the technology and solutions of tomorrow. As part of our team, you will contribute to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. This is what we call Defining Possible.
This mindset powers our innovation, our impact, and your career development.
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will play a central role in delivering Systems Engineering activities across key defence programmes. You will support the full engineering lifecycle, from understanding customer needs through to system design, integration, acceptance and delivery.
You’ll work within our Defence Systems Engineering team, supporting programmes critical to UK national security, including multi‑domain command and control systems used across the Royal Navy and internationally. Your expertise will directly influence technical quality, design assurance and programme success.
What You Will Do
Lead, conduct and deliver Systems Engineering work packages across the project lifecycle. Produce and review technical documentation in line with programme schedules. Plan, prepare and deliver key design reviews including SRR, PDR and CDR. Manage technical aspects of suppliers, ensuring alignment with requirements and design baselines. Review technical documentation from customers and suppliers, providing challenge and assurance. Integrate effectively with Hardware, Mechanical, Software, V&V, ILS, Cybersecurity and Safety teams. Provide technical leadership to deliver work packages on time, to cost and quality. Support risk management, opportunity assessments, bids, proposals and estimation activities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential
What We’re Looking For
Degree in Systems, Software, Electrical Engineering or a related field. 3–5 years’ experience in systems engineering within defence, maritime, aerospace or a regulated environment. Experience of system requirements, design, integration, acceptance and analysis. Knowledge of control systems, PLC/SCADA and operational technology. Experience with Model‑Based Design and tools such as Enterprise Architect. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder skills with the ability to influence at all levels. Experience in requirements management tools such as DOORS. Understanding of the marine environment, environmental standards and safety‑related systems.
Preferred
Knowledge of V&V activities including environmental and EMC testing. INCOSE ASE or CSEP accreditation.
If you feel inspired by the role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must meet the nationality and residency requirements for UK Security Check (SC) clearance.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
You must be able to gain and maintain SC clearance.
For questions, contact our recruitment team at talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Benefits
Flexible and hybrid working options, including a compressed fortnight with every other Friday off Private healthcare Cash health plan Holiday buy and sell options Career development, mentoring and professional training Performance‑related bonuses
Why Join Us?
A Mission to Believe In
Work on technology that protects national security and supports operations across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
A Place to Belong and Thrive
Bring your authentic self to work and join an inclusive community supported by employee networks and partnerships across defence, engineering and wellbeing.
Your Career, Your Way
Shape your career journey with diverse roles, structured development, mentoring and opportunities to grow your expertise.
Ready to Apply?
Yes – Submit your application online.
Possibly – Contact our team for more information: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
Not right now – Explore other opportunities across Northrop Grumman UK. We are growing nationwide.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location