Combat Systems Engineer

A small but highly capable defence engineering company based in Southampton is seeking an early-career Combat Systems Engineer to join its expanding design team. The company delivers complex naval integration projects for both domestic and export customers, with two major programmes now entering a critical delivery phase.

This newly created role represents an excellent opportunity for a technically capable engineer with experience in the maritime defence domain to take ownership of key combat systems integration activities. The successful candidate will act as the sole permanent Combat Systems Integration Engineer, supported by two temporary subcontractors, and will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of combat systems on small-ship platforms.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Defence, the Combat Systems Engineer will manage the design, integration, and verification of naval combat systems, working closely with suppliers, software developers, and combat integrators. The position requires strong technical understanding, confidence working across disciplines, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate combat systems integration activities, supported by subcontractors.
• Manage requirements capture, system design, and verification in line with the V-model.
• Liaise with suppliers, software developers, and subcontracted integrators to ensure coherent system delivery.
• Produce and maintain system-level documentation, interface definitions, and design artefacts.
• Support verification, validation, and acceptance testing, including customer demonstrations and trials.
• Work collaboratively with design and software teams to align technical solutions with customer requirements.

Candidate Profile

This role is ideally suited to an early-career engineer with a couple of years of experience in the maritime defence sector, particularly within naval systems design or integration. The successful candidate will combine technical credibility with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams within a small but fast-moving environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrable experience in the maritime defence sector (mandatory).
• Background in naval combat systems engineering or systems integration.
• Good understanding of system architectures, interfaces, and requirements management.
• Familiarity with the V-model or other structured systems engineering methodologies.
• Strong communication skills, comfortable engaging with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable

• Experience with small-ship combat systems or export naval programmes.
• Familiarity with OCEA or similar Excel-based tools.
• Understanding of DEF STANs or MoD engineering standards.
• Exposure to organisations such as Frazer-Nash, Thales, or BAE Systems.

Additional Information

• Initial training:
  up to 2 weeks in France (can be staggered).
• Travel:
  infrequent—approximately once every six months to export customers (South East Asia, Africa, South America, Eastern Europe etc).
• Working hours:
  9–5 with flexibility.
• Hybrid working:
  1–2 days per week from home.
• Location:
  Southampton, with occasional travel to the Isle of Wight.
• Start date:
  ideally February, to align with project handover.

Why Apply?

This position offers a unique opportunity to join a growing defence engineering business at a pivotal point in project delivery. The successful candidate will enjoy autonomy, technical variety, and exposure to international naval projects, while developing their expertise in combat systems integration within a collaborative, supportive environment.