Principal Systems Engineer

Manpower; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to manage technical delivery for complex infrastructure projects in Salisbury. This role involves leading the project lifecycle, producing key documentation, and providing technical leadership to engineering teams. The ideal candidate should have a strong systems engineering background, advanced knowledge of systems integration, and relevant qualifications. This contract is six months long, requiring three days on-site work per week.

Qualifications

• Strong background in systems engineering for complex infrastructure.
• Advanced knowledge of systems integration across various components.
• Familiarity with aviation test facilities and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as Principal Systems Engineer throughout the project lifecycle.
• Produce and manage key engineering documentation and artefacts.
• Lead the planning and execution of installations and integrations.
• Provide technical leadership to teams and manage requirements.

Skills

Systems engineering background

Systems integration knowledge

Familiar with relevant standards

Experience leading engineering teams

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering or relevant discipline

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Job description

Role: Principal Systems Enginer

Location: Salisbury (3 days per week on-site)

Duation: 6 months

Rate: Negotiable

Inside IR35 - Umbrella only

SC Cleared

Lead the technical delivery of complex Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation (T3E) infrastructure projects at Boscombe Down, focused on aviation facilities and associated test environments.

Role overview

• Act as Principal Systems Engineer across the full lifecycle, from requirements through to transition into service.

• Produce and own key artefacts: requirements, architecture, ITEA plans, installation and acceptance documentation, technical files.

• Plan and lead installation, integration, test, evaluation and acceptance to deliver safe, compliant, "safe by design" solutions.

• Provide technical leadership to internal teams and subcontractors, acting as System Design Authority where required.

• Engage stakeholders across facilities, IT, safety and security to manage requirements, risks and change.

Skills and experience

• Strong systems engineering background on complex infrastructure, test ranges or safety‑critical environments.

• Advanced knowledge of systems integration (facilities, equipment, control systems, comms, software, IT).

• Familiar with relevant standards and frameworks (e.g. CDM 2015, SCIDA, aviation test facilities, RIBA stages).

• Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and managing technical risk.

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering or relevant engineering discipline (MSc preferred) or equivalent experience.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent / working towards.

To apply, please send your CVs in the first instance.