Principal Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 15, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 14, 2026. MBDA UK scores B on the Alion truth index.
We are seeking experienced, innovative and passionate system thinkers to join our dynamic team, working on an ambitious and pioneering programme. Imagine playing a crucial role in designing and delivering next-generation combat air systems that will set new standards in weapon integration, effectiveness and efficiency.
Salary: Up to £58,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The Opportunity:
Join a ground-breaking programme within the Defence sector, focused on designing and delivering a cutting-edge Future Combat Air Programme for the Royal Air Force within an ambitious timeframe. This initiative is built upon a global partnership through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), uniting the UK with international allies Italy and Japan. Together, we aim to revolutionise the integration and employment of weapons, moving beyond traditional methods to create a more dynamic and efficient approach.
We are seeking dynamic and motivated system thinkers to become integral members of our programme team. This role offers an unparalleled chance to significantly contribute to the development of advanced Weapon Effects Management capabilities. Your work will be instrumental in reducing cognitive burden and facilitating the seamless coordination of complex weaponry in the battlespace, ensuring our missions are executed with precision and effectiveness.
Join us and be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of combat air operations.
Some of the Key Accountabilities for this role include but are not limited to;
- Management and Delivery of key System of Systems concepting activities
- Ownership of key requirements entities
- Architectural processes across the project Model Based Engineering tools
- Manage relationship with design teams to help define and convey the overall system concept, trades, fundamental design principles and constraints that balance fulfilment of the need
- Support to cross functional assessment and analysis activities
- Management of junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
What we're looking for from you:
- An experienced systems engineer who is pro-active and readily able to work autonomously
- Analytical Systems thinkers that are able to develop and communicate new concepts and architectures, with an understanding of the requirements/needs that drive the design
- Ability to present and engage with a senior set of internal and external stakeholders
- The capability to take responsibility for decisions that affect several design domains / system elements
- Ability to influence and drive a narrative
- Willingness to learn and deliver as part of an agile team
- Attention to detail along with excellent organisational and communication skills
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given
MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.