Principal Systems Engineer

Thales people provide armed forces customers with an operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Primary Purpose Of The Role Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensor systems and decision superiority. We help navies across the globe keep the world, our friends, our families and all of us safe. As a Principal Systems Engineer you will manage the Systems Engineering Process to company and international standards for a major project, providing significant team management responsibility and direction to engineers through requirements management, design, implementation and validation until delivery. Principal Relationships Engineers at all levels Bid team members Project team members Testing team members Installation team members Project planners Sales and Marketing Supply Chain Commercial Major Stakeholders / Client Key Responsibilities And Tasks Develop and manage requirements specifications at both system and subsystem levels. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the development lifecycle and lifecycle products. Interface with clients to define the content and format of test specifications. Define and authorise test specifications. Conduct impact analysis and manage variations. Ensure compliance with customer requirements and resolve related issues. Define and authorise design descriptions and verification requirements. Provide technical advice to the Engineering Group Manager on technical matters and management issues pertinent to the Systems Engineering Group. Offer technical direction and leadership to the Systems Engineering community. Engage with key stakeholders effectively. Establish and maintain a structured Systems Engineering process and activities. Provide detailed technical specifications. Offer assistance and guidance to Project Systems Engineers regarding their responsibilities and design decisions. Prepare resource plans and budgets for the Systems Engineering Group, managing the budget to ensure project objectives are met within financial constraints. Approve estimates for project activities and manage the Systems Engineering Group to ensure work is completed on time and within budget. Develop and train Systems Engineering personnel to ensure a qualified staff is available to perform and lead the design and requirements development for projects and products, including acceptance requirements. Represent the Systems Engineering Group on the change control committee, reviewing change proposals and approving Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) on behalf of the engineering department. Stay informed of technical developments both within and outside of the company. Identify training, development, and performance needs through the Annual Check‑in and Development Check‑in processes for the Systems Engineering community under your supervision. Assist the Engineering Group Manager in strengthening the engineering capabilities of the team. Key Performance Indicators Financial performance of the Systems Engineering team under your control. Timely delivery of team objectives, appraisals and development actions. Quality of work produced against agreed standards. Delivery to timescales. Delivery to budget. Performance against Thales key values. Skills Able to use a range of IT tools. Has a sound ability to use Systems Engineering tools (e.g. DOORS, Polarion, MBSE, JIRA etc.). Has knowledge of configuration control processes. Can manage a complex project through a defined design process and is able to tailor CHORUS2 to project needs. Can define and use metrics as part of quality assurance and control change to re-model a Systems Engineering process. A working knowledge of project plans. Has knowledge of Engineering Safety Management. Experience The Principal Systems Engineer is the technical focal point for the Systems Engineering process and must be able to resolve all issues, problems, questions and conflicts in the entire system. This requires frequent handling of new and unusual issues so a proven record of working in a Systems Engineering Management function is required. The post holder should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels in the spoken and written word. A good outward appearance, self‑motivation and the ability to work under pressure are vital. The success of the Systems Engineering job family relies on the interaction of its engineers at all levels; evidence of team working is required. Values & Behaviours Think Big: Imagine the Future: See ahead to design new, different and simplified solutions that will anticipate and address tomorrow’s business needs and challenges. Inspire to Engage: Shares a compelling vision, leads with integrity and engages stakeholders. Make It Happen: Deliver User‑centric Solutions: Create customer intimacy, listen fully and be accountable for creating value for the client and for Thales. Act with Agility: Challenges the status quo, takes smart risks and fosters continuous improvement. Together: Grow Others and Self: Invest energy to develop self and others, ensuring individual and organizational potential is maximised. Include Others: Empower others, embrace diversity in partnering beyond organizational boundaries to achieve common goals. Desirable Qualifications And Certification HND/Engineering Degree or equivalent. Essential All applicants must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. Have attained or be working towards an appropriate professional status (CEng) or equivalent. We are not able to consider any person who holds dual citizenship. Financial / Budgetary Responsibility The post holder will be expected to deliver designs/projects to an agreed budget. Security Clearance In line with Thales’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. Recruitment Process Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments and support are provided for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability. For alternative formats or recruitment process questions, contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles. Location West Kilbride, Scotland, United Kingdom Employment Type Part‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr