Lead System Engineer | Maritime Defence

ALTEN Group; Barnstaple, Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer in Barnstaple to deliver complex systems for mission-critical defence platforms. Responsibilities include full-lifecycle engineering, requirements management, and system integration. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and 8+ years of experience in the defence sector. The role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, emphasizing career development and innovative projects.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in Systems Engineering within defence or regulated sectors.
• Ability to obtain SC Clearance.
• Proficiency in deriving requirements and managing formal acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver full-lifecycle systems engineering in line with the V-Model.
• Produce Integrated Test, Evaluation & Acceptance Plans (ITEAPs).
• Lead subsystem integration across software, electronics, and hardware.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements Derivation

System Integration

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

IBM DOORS

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by ALTEN LTD - UK. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 30 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Job Description

Play a lead role in delivering complex, high-integrity systems for mission-critical defence platforms. At ALTEN, we’re supporting the development of cutting-edge electronic systems used in some of the most challenging environments. As a Lead Systems Engineer, you’ll work across the full V-lifecycle – from requirements derivation through to integration and acceptance. This is a chance to take ownership of technical delivery and drive real impact on key UK defence programmes.

Key Details:

• Location: Hybrid – Barnstaple (2 days/week on-site) Primary site Bristol
• Experience Level: 8+ years' experience in Systems Engineering within defence, marine, or other regulated sectors
• Security Clearance: Able to obtain SC Clearance (Minimum 5 years in the UK)

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver full-lifecycle systems engineering in line with the V-Model
• Derive and manage requirements from customer specifications and defence standards
• Produce Integrated Test, Evaluation & Acceptance Plans (ITEAPs)
• Lead subsystem integration across software, electronics, and hardware interfaces
• Proactively manage delivery actions to maintain project momentum
• Troubleshoot system-level issues in a multi-disciplinary team
• Support verification, validation, and acceptance activities to meet performance targets
  
  

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with IBM DOORS for requirements capture and traceability
• Experience deriving requirements from MOD or industry standards
• Background in generating ITEAPs and managing formal acceptance
• Confident in system integration across multi-domain platforms
• Ability to proactively drive delivery actions and manage priorities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in engineering teams
• Experience in full-lifecycle engineering and working within the V-Model

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Systems, Electronics, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering)
  
  OR
• A relevant technical military background in high-integrity UK defence or platform systems

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in defence, naval, or submarine platforms
• Familiarity with DEF STANs, safety/security standards, or mission-critical systems
• Exposure to MBSE, modelling tools, or structured systems design
• Background in other regulated industries such as aerospace, nuclear, or transport
  
  

Additional Information

Why join us?

• We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.
• Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
• We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.
• We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical & Travel Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Consulting

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at ALTEN LTD - UK by 2x

Get notified about new Lead System Engineer jobs in Barnstaple, England, United Kingdom.

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.