Job description for Systems Engineer

As a Systems Engineer, you will support Delivery Teams by offering expert advice and guidance across a wide range of specialisms. These include requirements engineering, standardisation management, and system architecture. You’ll also be involved in performance analysis and design, technical evaluation, verification and validation, as well as testing and evaluation. Your role will extend to overseeing systems integration activities across various environments and technology themes.

DE&S is a dynamic, forward-looking organisation at the forefront of defence innovation where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. As a Systems Engineer, you’ll contribute to some of the UK’s most high-profile and technologically advanced programmes, for example the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Protector Remotely Piloted Air Systems, Autonomous Systems, Submarines, Tactical Data Links, Guided Weapons, Challenger 2 LEP, Skynet, Air Defence Systems, and Land based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.

Please be advised that due to the nature of security, some of these roles are reserved for sole UK nationals only.

 We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance and business need. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

 What you’ll be doing

• Scope systems engineering tasks based on system risk, complexity, and acquisition approach.
• Evaluate problem spaces by collecting and analysing data, delivering effective resolutions, and supporting the implementation of high-value recommendations.
• Identify and assess technical hazards and project impacts; contribute to risk reduction strategies, ensuring proper documentation and management.
• Tailor systems engineering approaches to suit project complexity and risk, ensuring artefacts are fit for purpose.
• Provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders, helping them frame requirements accurately and select appropriate tools, processes, or methods in uncertain situations.
• Identify and promote opportunities to implement best practices.
• Manage the system’s test, verification, validation, and evaluation processes.
• Provide technical leadership and expert guidance to enhance deliverable capability and effectiveness, ensuring solutions are well understood and appropriately applied.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics Level 4 qualification (e.g. HNC or higher)
• With a relevant Professional body/institution related to your discipline, be professionally registered to a minimum level as either:

o Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or

o Registered Scientist (RSci)

• Have broad and in-depth experience in giving technical advice and successfully delivering Systems Engineering projects
• Demonstrate experience of applying systems engineering approaches to engineering projects

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Changing and Improving – CSBC3
• Making Effective Decisions – CSBC3
• Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking – Practitioner
• ECF 1.3 Setting Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance– Practitioner
• Supportable Technical Solutions – Practitioner
• ECF 3.3 Technical Issues and Risk – Practitioner

 Offered Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code – Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories (CV Review) listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. 

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the relative importance of the assessed competencies as per the hierarchy below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1
• 2nd: Core Behaviour 1
• 3rd: Technical Competencies
• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise an additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission