Combat System Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Submarine Combat Systems Engineer to join our permanent engineering capability, supporting the design, development, integration and in-service evolution of UK submarine combat systems.

Skills, Experience, Qualifications, If you have the right match for this opportunity, then make sure to apply today.

This role is specifically aimed at candidates with proven, hands-on experience of submarine combat systems engineering. You will play a key role in delivering capability at pace, modernising legacy systems, and enabling spiral development in line with Defence's Faster Way Forward for Innovation.

The successful candidate will work across the Submarine Enterprise - MOD, Royal Navy, Defence Digital, Dstl and industry - ensuring combat systems remain operationally dominant, adaptable to emerging threats, and deliverable through modern engineering approaches.

Key Responsibilities

Submarine Combat Systems Engineering

• Engineer, integrate and assure submarine combat system elements, including:
  • Sonar and sensor systems
  • Command, control and tactical data processing
  • Weapon control and combat management functions
  • Operator interfaces and display systems
• Contribute to system-of-systems design across platforms, training systems and shore-based facilities
• Ensure solutions meet submarine-specific constraints such as safety, stealth, survivability and availability

Capability Delivery & Modernisation

• Support incremental and spiral delivery of combat system capability, reducing reliance on large monolithic upgrades
• Contribute to rapid capability insertion, trials and operational experimentation
• Balance innovation with regulatory, safety and security constraints inherent in submarine environments

Engineering Leadership & Assurance

• Provide informed technical judgement across design reviews, trade studies and assurance activities
• Support safety case, cyber security and information assurance inputs for combat systems
• Identify and manage technical risk throughout the delivery lifecycle

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work directly with Royal Navy operators, test teams and acceptance authorities
• Collaborate with Defence Digital, Dstl and industrial partners to align delivery with Defence digital and innovation strategies
• Translate operational needs into clear engineering requirements and viable technical solutions

Essential Skills & Experience (Mandatory)

Candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the following:

• Proven experience in Submarine Combat Systems Engineering
• Practical experience working with submarine combat system elements such as sonar, C2, combat management or weapon systems
• Experience delivering or supporting changes to operational submarine combat systems
• Strong systems engineering background, including xwzovoh requirements, integration and verification

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience on current or legacy UK submarine classes
• Knowledge of open or modular combat system architectures
• Experience supporting trials, sea acceptance or operational test activities

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered or working toward chartered status (desirable)

Personal Attributes

• High levels of technical credibility and professional integrity
• Pragmatic approach to problem-solving, balancing innovation and assurance
• Comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and operational effectiveness