Principal System Design Engineer

General Dynamics Corporation; Blackwood; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Systems Design Engineer to lead the design and architecture of advanced C4I systems for defense programs. In this role, you'll address complex challenges, define technical strategies, and mentor junior engineers while engaging with stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary of £59,200 to £80,000 and flexible hybrid working arrangements, contributing to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

Compressed nine-day fortnight

Personalized career development plan

Flexible working environment with recognized contributions

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in systems engineering and system design leadership.
• Proven ability to resolve complex design challenges and make strategic trade-offs.
• Skilled in producing high-quality technical documentation and delivering to schedule.
• Proven track record in system architecture and design for complex, mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture and design for complex defence systems.
• Define and implement technical strategy for programme objectives.
• Guide design reviews to ensure technical integrity throughout lifecycle.
• Conduct trade studies and evaluate emerging technologies.

Skills

Extensive experience in systems engineering and system design leadership

Strong track record of leading cross-functional teams

Exceptional communication skills

Expertise in structured design methods

Proficiency in Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)

Job description

Responsibilities for this Position

Location: Oakdale Ct, Oakdale, Blackwood NP12 4AD, UK

Employment Type: Permanent

Company Description

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

Job Description

As a Principal Systems Design Engineer, you will be a key engineering lead shaping the architecture and design of advanced C4I systems for critical defence programmes. This role seeks leadership elements for an experienced systems engineer who thrives on solving complex challenges, influencing strategy, and mentoring others. You will drive innovation, ensure technical excellence, and deliver integrated solutions that meet demanding operational requirements.

• Lead system architecture and design for complex, mission-critical defence systems, translating operational concepts into robust solutions.
• Define and implement technical strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and future capability needs.
• Guide design reviews and ensure technical integrity throughout the lifecycle, including integration of specialty disciplines (Safety, Security, Human Factors, ILS, Training).
• Conduct trade studies, performance modelling, and evaluate emerging technologies to inform strategic decisions.
• Mentor junior engineers and engage with senior stakeholders, including MoD representatives, to influence programme-level decisions.

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Qualifications

Essential:

• Extensive experience in systems engineering and system design leadership.
• Proven ability to resolve complex design challenges and make strategic trade-offs.
• Strong track record of leading cross-functional teams and engaging specialist disciplines.
• Expertise in structured design methods and requirements management.
• Exceptional communication skills able to present confidently at senior-level reviews.
• Skilled in producing high-quality technical documentation and delivering to schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Proven track record in system architecture and design for complex, mission-critical systems.
• Experience across the full engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, verification).

Desirable:

• Deep understanding of network architectures, OSI model, and open standards.
• Familiarity with Open and Military Standards and compliance frameworks.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SysML and structured design methodologies.
• Knowledge of TOGAF or NATO Architecture Framework.
• Awareness of Safety, Security, and ILS processes within defence programmes.

Additional Information

Salary for this position is 59,200 to 80,000, depending on experience plus our excellent flexible benefits package.

We offer hybrid working - for this role ideally we are looking for an average of 2 days per week per month on site.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits:

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email [e-mail] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks

Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role.

We appreciate the time you take to apply.

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General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited is a leading prime contractor and complex systems integrator working in partnership with government, military and private companies around the world.