📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: United Kingdom - New Malden
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (10% travel)
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-11
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site with occasional travel

🚀 Role Summary

Lead Systems Engineering processes on complex maritime programmes for UK Defence
Deliver key milestone design reviews and manage customer relationships
Provide technical leadership, coaching, and expertise to the Systems Engineering team
Collaborate with stakeholders and integrate other engineering disciplines
Manage technical aspects of supplier relationships

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Systems Engineering, with experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships. The candidate should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Drive Systems Engineering Process: Lead the development and implementation of Systems Engineering processes on programmes, ensuring compliance with standards and best practices
Deliver Key Milestone Design Reviews: Successfully manage and deliver key milestone design reviews, ensuring all requirements are met and risks are mitigated
Manage Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding their needs and ensuring their expectations are met
Lead Integration of Other Engineering Disciplines: Collaborate with other engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery of complex systems
Manage Technical Aspects of Supplier Relationships: Oversee technical aspects of supplier management, ensuring delivery of high-quality products and services that meet programme requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should have experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships. They should be able to work independently and collaboratively, with strong communication and leadership skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required. A master's degree would be an advantage.

Experience: Proven experience in Systems Engineering, with a strong track record in managing complex programmes and customer relationships. Experience in a relevant industry, such as defence or aerospace, is essential.

Required Skills:

Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering models and techniques
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in customer/supplier relationship management
Ability to lead and manage teams
Familiarity with defence or aerospace industry standards and best practices

Preferred Skills:

Experience in managing complex, high-profile programmes
Knowledge of systems engineering tools and software
Familiarity with Agile or other project management methodologies
Experience in working with international teams

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should have a strong background in Systems Engineering, with experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships. They should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong track record in Systems Engineering, with examples of complex programmes managed and delivered successfully
Showcase experience in customer relationship management, with examples of successful stakeholder engagement and project delivery
Highlight technical expertise in Systems Engineering, with examples of innovative solutions and problem-solving

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of Systems Engineering processes used on previous programmes
Include examples of risk assessments, requirement traceability, and verification and validation plans
Demonstrate familiarity with defence or aerospace industry standards and best practices

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should provide detailed examples of their Systems Engineering experience, with a focus on programme management, customer relationship management, and technical expertise.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £56,200 - £75,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

Private health care
Career development opportunities
Performance bonuses
Flexible and hybrid working options, including optional compressed working schedule with every other Friday off

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with occasional travel required (up to 10% of the time)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits package is competitive and includes private health care, career development opportunities, and performance bonuses.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Defence and aerospace
Company Size: Large (100,000+ employees worldwide)
Founded: 1939 (as Northrop Grumman Corporation)

Team Structure:

The Systems Engineering team is a diverse group of experienced professionals, working collaboratively to deliver complex programmes for UK Defence
The team is led by a Systems Engineering Manager, who provides technical leadership and guidance
The team works closely with other engineering disciplines, as well as with customers and suppliers

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman UK uses a combination of Agile and traditional project management methodologies, tailored to the specific needs of each programme
The Systems Engineering team follows a structured Systems Engineering process, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices

Company Website: Northrop Grumman UK

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman UK is a large defence and aerospace company, with a strong track record in delivering complex programmes for UK Defence. The Systems Engineering team is a diverse and experienced group of professionals, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality products and services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring extensive experience in Systems Engineering and programme management. The candidate should have a strong track record in delivering complex programmes and managing customer relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Systems Engineer reports to the Systems Engineering Manager and works closely with other engineering disciplines, as well as with customers and suppliers.

Technical Impact: The Principal Systems Engineer has a significant impact on the delivery of complex maritime programmes for UK Defence. They are responsible for driving the Systems Engineering process, delivering key milestone design reviews, and managing customer relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialisation: The candidate can specialise in a specific area of Systems Engineering, such as requirements management, verification and validation, or model-based systems engineering
Technical Leadership: The candidate can progress to a senior technical role, such as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer or a Technical Fellow
Management: The candidate can progress to a management role, such as a Systems Engineering Manager or a Programme Manager

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should have a strong track record in Systems Engineering and programme management, with experience in delivering complex programmes and managing customer relationships. They should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with state-of-the-art facilities and tools

Office Location(s): Northrop Grumman UK's New Malden office is located in Burlington House, with easy access to public transportation and local amenities

Workspace Context:

The office provides a collaborative workspace, with open-plan areas and dedicated meeting spaces
Each engineer has access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and other tools required for their role
The office is designed to encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexible working options available. Occasional travel is required (up to 10% of the time).

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman UK provides a modern, collaborative work environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and tools. The office is designed to encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, with flexible working options available.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online Application: Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers website
Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience and qualifications
Technical Interview: A detailed technical interview, focusing on your Systems Engineering experience and technical skills
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager, focusing on your cultural fit and career aspirations

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships
Provide detailed examples of your Systems Engineering expertise, with a focus on innovative solutions and problem-solving
Demonstrate your understanding of defence or aerospace industry standards and best practices

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Systems Engineering knowledge, with a focus on programme management, customer relationship management, and technical expertise
Prepare examples of your experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships
Familiarise yourself with defence or aerospace industry standards and best practices

ATS Keywords: (Relevant Systems Engineering, defence, and aerospace keywords)

Systems Engineering
Programme Management
Customer Relationship Management
Defence Industry Standards
Aerospace Industry Standards
Requirements Management
Verification and Validation
Model-Based Systems Engineering
Agile Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Technical Leadership
Technical Expertise

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit. The candidate should have a strong track record in Systems Engineering and programme management, with experience in delivering complex programmes and managing customer relationships.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

IBM DOORS Next Generation
IBM Rational DOORS
IBM Rational Rhapsody
IBM Rational Team Concert
IBM Rational Quality Manager
IBM Rational Test RealTime
IBM Rational Test Workbench
IBM DOORS NG Architect
IBM DOORS NG Designer
IBM DOORS NG Collaborator
IBM DOORS NG Publisher

Defence and Aerospace Industry Standards:

DEF STAN 00-56
DEF STAN 00-55
DEF STAN 00-57
DEF STAN 00-58
DEF STAN 00-59
DEF STAN 00-60
DEF STAN 00-61
DEF STAN 00-62
DEF STAN 00-63
DEF STAN 00-64

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman UK uses a range of Systems Engineering tools and software, as well as defence and aerospace industry standards. The candidate should have experience in using these tools and software, as well as in applying industry standards and best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Northrop Grumman UK Values:

Customer Focus: We put our customers first, understanding their needs and delivering high-quality products and services that meet their expectations
Integrity: We act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all our interactions
Performance: We strive for excellence in everything we do, continuously improving our processes and products
Innovation: We foster a culture of innovation, encouraging creativity and new ideas
One Northrop Grumman: We work collaboratively, leveraging our diverse skills and experiences to deliver exceptional results

Collaboration Style:

Northrop Grumman UK encourages a collaborative working environment, with open lines of communication and regular team meetings
The Systems Engineering team works closely with other engineering disciplines, as well as with customers and suppliers
Knowledge sharing and technical mentoring are encouraged, with regular training and development opportunities available

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman UK has a strong culture of customer focus, integrity, performance, innovation, and collaboration. The Systems Engineering team works closely with other engineering disciplines, customers, and suppliers, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing complex, high-profile programmes for UK Defence
Delivering key milestone design reviews on time and to budget
Managing customer relationships and ensuring their expectations are met
Integrating other engineering disciplines and ensuring seamless delivery of complex systems
Managing technical aspects of supplier relationships and ensuring delivery of high-quality products and services

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialisation: The candidate can specialise in a specific area of Systems Engineering, with opportunities to develop their technical skills and knowledge
Technical Leadership: The candidate can progress to a senior technical role, with opportunities to develop their leadership and management skills
Management: The candidate can progress to a management role, with opportunities to develop their strategic and operational leadership skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should have a strong track record in Systems Engineering and programme management, with experience in delivering complex programmes and managing customer relationships. They should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Process: Describe your experience in driving Systems Engineering processes on complex programmes. How have you ensured compliance with industry standards and best practices?
Key Milestone Design Reviews: Walk us through your experience in delivering key milestone design reviews. How have you ensured all requirements were met and risks were mitigated?
Customer Relationship Management: Describe your experience in managing customer relationships. How have you ensured customer expectations were met and stakeholder engagement was successful?
Supplier Relationship Management: Describe your experience in managing technical aspects of supplier relationships. How have you ensured delivery of high-quality products and services that met programme requirements?

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman UK: What do you know about Northrop Grumman UK and our work in the defence and aerospace industry? How do you think you could contribute to our success?
Systems Engineering Team: How do you see yourself fitting into the Systems Engineering team at Northrop Grumman UK? What do you think you could bring to the team and how do you think you could learn from your colleagues?
Defence Industry: What do you know about the defence industry and the challenges it faces? How do you think you could help Northrop Grumman UK overcome these challenges and deliver successful programmes for UK Defence?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Portfolio Structure: Organise your portfolio to highlight your experience in managing complex programmes, customer relationship management, and technical expertise
Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of your experience in managing complex programmes, with a focus on programme delivery, customer relationship management, and technical innovation
Technical Deep Dive: Prepare a detailed technical deep dive into a specific aspect of your Systems Engineering experience, demonstrating your technical expertise and problem-solving skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit. The candidate should have a strong track record in Systems Engineering and programme management, with experience in delivering complex programmes and managing customer relationships.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer position at Northrop Grumman UK:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Northrop Grumman careers website and submit your application through the online portal
Prepare Your Portfolio: Organise your portfolio to highlight your experience in managing complex programmes, customer relationship management, and technical expertise. Include detailed case studies and a technical deep dive
Research Northrop Grumman UK: Familiarise yourself with Northrop Grumman UK's work in the defence and aerospace industry, as well as our company culture and values
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your Systems Engineering knowledge, with a focus on programme management, customer relationship management, and technical expertise. Prepare examples of your experience in managing complex programmes and customer relationships

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

Principal Systems Engineer