System Engineer

Role: Systems Engineer (SysML, MBSE, aerospace & Defence, SC)

Location: Cambridgeshire, UK

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Department: Engineering

Reporting To: Head of Engineering

Compensation: £50-80k (DoE)

(This is a fully on-site role, not hybrid or remote)

(will need to be able to obtain UK SC clearance)

The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.

About the Opportunity

Our client is building the next-generation UAV technology. They are a fast-growing start-up working at the forefront of defence, aerospace, robotics, and safety-critical systems, with a strong focus on innovation and real-world impact.

Working Culture

Our client operates with the pace and ambition of a high-growth start-up. They are building something meaningful and are looking for individuals who are energised by that journey.

This environment will suit someone who:

• Enjoys taking ownership
• Is comfortable wearing multiple hats
• Learns quickly and adapts to change
• Is willing to go beyond core hours when needed to maintain momentum

The team is driven by building, solving complex problems, and moving quickly together. Collaboration and adaptability are key, and individuals are expected to bring curiosity, commitment, and a strong team mindset.

The Role

Our client is seeking a Systems Engineer to join their engineering team in Cambridge, working on cutting-edge systems focused on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

In this role, you will play a key part in:

• Shaping system architecture
• Supporting systems design
• Managing engineering lifecycle activities
• Contributing to the development of safety-critical solutions

This is an opportunity to work on technologies that are shaping the future of Drone technology, within a highly innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop system architectures, particularly for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including embedded software, safety, and ML engineers to ensure cohesive system integration.
• Conduct system-level analysis, trade-off studies, and risk assessments to meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Define and maintain system-level requirements, interfaces, and specifications in line with industry standards.
• Oversee implementation, integration, and verification of system components.
• Manage the systems engineering lifecycle from planning through to validation, verification (V&V), and customer acceptance.
• Contribute to improving systems engineering processes, tools, and methodologies.

Key Skills & Experience

• Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in systems architecture and design within complex, safety-critical environments — ideally in the UAS domain.
• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies such as MBSE, SysML. xwzovoh
• Understanding of software and hardware architecture, real-time systems, and embedded systems design.
• Experience with safety-critical standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254)