📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Company: Babcock
Location: Bristol, City of, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time / Permanent
Category: Systems Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Understand customer needs, elicit formal requirements, manage requirements for systems and sub-systems, define acceptance methodologies, manage assurance and acceptance processes, and provide Systems Engineering guidance to the wider project team.
Key Technologies: Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS), systems engineering principles, and naval engineering know-how.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of systems engineering principles and experience in requirements management, making it an excellent fit for experienced Systems Engineers looking to apply their skills in a naval and marine infrastructure context.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Requirements Management: Understand customer needs, elicit formal requirements, and manage requirements for systems and sub-systems.
Acceptance Processes: Define acceptance methodologies for system and sub-system requirements and manage the assurance and acceptance process with customers and suppliers.
Systems Engineering Guidance: Provide Systems Engineering guidance to the wider project team, including various design reviews.
People Management: Experience of people management is essential for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Systems Engineer role involves a mix of technical and leadership responsibilities, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to manage requirements and acceptance processes effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree level qualification in a STEM subject (Science/Technology/Engineering/Maths) or equivalent experience in Systems Engineering.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in Systems Engineering, with a focus on requirements elicitation, management, and acceptance of complex systems.

Required Skills:

Experience in Requirements Elicitation and Management
Experience with Requirements Management Tools (e.g., DOORS)
Excellent Problem-Solving and Communication Skills
Strong Understanding of Systems Engineering Principles
Experience of People Management

Preferred Skills:

Experience in Naval or Marine Engineering
Familiarity with Complex Naval Ships and Marine Infrastructure Projects
Knowledge of Asset Management Principles

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience in naval or marine engineering and familiarity with complex naval ships and marine infrastructure projects would be highly beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in requirements management and acceptance processes.
Showcase successful project delivery in complex naval or marine infrastructure projects.
Highlight problem-solving skills and ability to manage requirements effectively.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of requirements documentation, including system and sub-system requirements.
Demonstrate understanding of acceptance methodologies and assurance processes.
Showcase ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves managing requirements and acceptance processes, applicants should focus on demonstrating their technical writing skills and ability to document complex systems effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to £72,337 per year

Benefits:

Generous Holiday Allowance
Matched Contribution Pension Scheme
Life Assurance
Access to a Digital GP, Annual Health Check, and Nutritional Consultations
Employee Share Scheme
Employee Shopping Savings Portal
Payment of Professional Fees
Special Paid Leave for Reservists
Holiday Trading and Be Kind Day
Excellent Development Opportunities and Employee Assistance Programme

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with hybrid working arrangements (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing. Applicants should research regional salary standards and cost of living for a more accurate estimate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Babcock operates in the defense, security, and aerospace sectors, with a focus on naval and marine infrastructure.

Company Size: Babcock is a large, global organization with over 34,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: 1891

Team Structure:

The Principal Systems Engineer role is part of the Engineering function, working closely with project teams, customers, and suppliers.
The role may involve leading or mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with other senior engineers.

Development Methodology:

Babcock uses Agile methodologies for project management and delivery.
Systems Engineering processes and standards are applied to ensure consistency and quality in project delivery.

Company Website: https://www.babcockinternational.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Babcock's size and global presence offer opportunities for career progression and exposure to diverse projects. The company's focus on naval and marine infrastructure provides a unique context for applying Systems Engineering skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suited to experienced Systems Engineers with 5-10 years of experience, looking to apply their skills in a complex, naval and marine infrastructure context.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Systems Engineer role may report to a Senior Systems Engineer or Engineering Manager, depending on the specific project and organizational structure.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on project delivery, customer satisfaction, and the successful integration of complex systems and sub-systems.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical growth opportunities include specializing in specific naval or marine infrastructure domains or advancing to a more senior Systems Engineering role.
Leadership and management opportunities are available, with the potential to lead project teams or mentor junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Systems Engineer role offers opportunities for technical growth and leadership development, with the potential to specialize in specific domains or advance to more senior roles within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Babcock's Bristol office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support project teams and foster innovation.

Office Location(s): Bristol, City of, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

The hybrid working arrangement allows for 3 days on-site and 2 days remote, providing flexibility and a balance between collaboration and independent work.
On-site, engineers have access to dedicated workspace, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support their work.
Remote work requires a suitable home office setup with reliable internet access.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 35-hour workweek, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Babcock's hybrid working arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility and the opportunity to tailor the work environment to individual preferences.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online application review and initial screening.
Technical interview focusing on Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, and problem-solving skills.
Design review or case study exercise to assess understanding of complex systems and sub-systems.
Final interview to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in requirements management and acceptance processes.
Showcase successful project delivery in complex naval or marine infrastructure projects.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to manage requirements effectively.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Systems Engineering principles and requirements management best practices.
Familiarize yourself with naval and marine infrastructure projects and the unique challenges they present.
Prepare for design review or case study exercises by practicing your ability to analyze complex systems and sub-systems.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Naval Engineering, Marine Infrastructure, Complex Systems, Sub-Systems, Asset Management, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, People Management

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their experience in requirements management, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with naval and marine infrastructure projects to succeed in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS)
Systems engineering software (e.g., IBM DOORS Next Generation, Jama Connect, or similar)
Project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Microsoft Project, or similar)

Naval and Marine Infrastructure Technologies:

Familiarity with naval and marine infrastructure technologies is beneficial but not explicitly required.
Applicants with experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, or related fields may have an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with naval and marine infrastructure technologies and familiarity with naval architecture or marine engineering principles would be beneficial for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Babcock values innovation, collaboration, and customer focus.
The company encourages continuous learning and improvement, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Collaboration Style:

Babcock fosters a collaborative working environment, with a focus on knowledge sharing and technical mentoring.
The company encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to deliver successful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Babcock's culture emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning, providing an environment that supports the growth and development of Systems Engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing requirements and acceptance processes for complex naval and marine infrastructure projects.
Integrating complex systems and sub-systems effectively.
Ensuring project delivery meets customer expectations and quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specializing in specific naval or marine infrastructure domains.
Advancing to more senior Systems Engineering roles or leadership positions.
Gaining experience in project management, team leadership, or technical mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Systems Engineer role presents technical challenges and learning opportunities, with the potential for specialization, career progression, and leadership development within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering principles and requirements management best practices.
Naval and marine infrastructure project experience and challenges.
Problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex systems and sub-systems.

Company & Culture Questions:

Babcock's focus on naval and marine infrastructure projects.
The company's commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Opportunities for career progression and technical development.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight experience in requirements management and acceptance processes.
Showcase successful project delivery in complex naval or marine infrastructure projects.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to manage requirements effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their experience in requirements management, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with naval and marine infrastructure projects to succeed in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer position:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in requirements management, problem-solving, and naval or marine infrastructure projects.
Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on Systems Engineering principles and practicing your problem-solving skills.
Research Babcock's focus on naval and marine infrastructure projects and the company's commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Prepare for the final interview by considering your career aspirations and how this role fits with your long-term goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and Systems Engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Systems Engineer