📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Company: ZeroAvia
Location: Kemble, United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-11
Experience Level: 7+ years in system safety engineering, particularly in the aerospace sector

🚀 Role Summary

Lead end-to-end integration of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems into aircraft platforms
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system compatibility, safety, and certification readiness
Apply systems engineering expertise to deliver clear, structured, and communicated documentation
Develop and maintain system simulation models, controls models, and manage their integration with the wider system engineering development
Mentor business functions on matters relating to lifecycle, development assurance, requirements management, and working-level best practice

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering within the aerospace sector, with a focus on early lifecycle processes and control systems. Experience with certified or in-certification aircraft systems is considered advantageous.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Engineering: Develop and maintain system architecture, functions, and interfaces. Manage requirements sets at all levels (aircraft, system, item) and ensure their validation.
Simulation & Modeling: Create and maintain system simulation models, controls models, and manage their integration with the wider system engineering development.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Airworthiness, Certification, Systems Safety, System Test, and downstream engineering. Provide structure and clarity to multiple stakeholders.
Documentation & Process Improvement: Deliver clear, structured, and communicated systems engineering documentation. Continuously upgrade and update process and planning documentation based on iterative maturity development.
Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Act as a mentor across business functions on matters relating to lifecycle, development assurance, requirements management, and consistently demonstrate working-level best practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working in a dynamic, software-centric environment. Experience with RMT (Polarion, DOORS) and CAE (Matlab Simulink, Simcenter) tools is considered valuable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of experience in system safety engineering, particularly in the aerospace sector
Demonstrated expertise in the application of Systems lifecycle processes (V-cycle), with a particular emphasis on the early phases of the V model
Proficient in aircraft control systems (preferably engine controls), including the capture of control functions and requirements, as well as the authoring of controller specifications to facilitate item development
Familiarity with aircraft or engine performance simulation and validation is desirable
Proven track record of working effectively in small, high-performance teams

Required Skills:

Extensive experience in the elicitation, capture, and management of requirement sets at all levels (aircraft, system, item)
Robust experience in the development of system architecture, functions, and interfaces, encompassing stakeholder management with downstream engineering teams, as well as assumption and risk management
Knowledge of system safety analysis techniques (FHA, FTA, FMEA) and reliability assessments
Considerable experience in managing systems engineering elements in software-centric environments, such as RMT (Polarion, DOORS) and CAE (Matlab Simulink, Simcenter)
Strong aptitude for close collaboration with, and providing structure and clarity to, multiple cross-functional stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

Experience with certified or in-certification aircraft systems, such as propeller, electrical power, flight control/avionics; or certified or in-certification powerplant systems, such as rotating components, engine control, and cooling/lubrication
Experience in aviation-intended electric propulsion systems, fuel cell systems, or EVTOLs

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with ARP4754A/B and ARP4761/A guidelines is highly desirable for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate understanding of aircraft control systems and simulation models through relevant projects or case studies
Showcase experience in requirements management and system architecture development
Highlight proficiency in systems safety analysis techniques and risk management through project examples
Display ability to work effectively in small, high-performance teams through team project or case study

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of clear, structured, and communicated systems engineering documentation
Demonstrate experience in managing and integrating system simulation models and controls models
Showcase ability to continuously upgrade and update process and planning documentation based on iterative maturity development

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (Based on market research for Senior Systems Engineers in the aerospace sector in the United Kingdom)

Benefits:

Private health and dental care
Mental health support
Free lunch and healthy snacks
Sports, games, and culture clubs
Stock options
5 hours of free flying lessons
25 days holiday, plus public holidays
Free EV charging and membership in the EV Club
Weekly spot bonuses
Income protection and legal support
Relocation support

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for Senior Systems Engineers in the aerospace sector in the United Kingdom. Actual salary may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace and aviation, focusing on zero-emission aircraft systems for commercial use

Company Size: Medium-sized, with a focus on growth and innovation

Founded: 2017, with a strong commitment to developing sustainable aviation technology

Team Structure:

Collaborative, cross-functional teams, including Aircraft Engineering, Powertrain, and Flight Operations
Flat hierarchy, with an emphasis on agility and decision-making at the team level
Strong focus on mentoring and knowledge sharing across the organization

Development Methodology:

Agile development processes, with a focus on iterative improvement and continuous integration
Regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings to ensure alignment and progress
Strong emphasis on collaboration and communication between teams and stakeholders

Company Website: ZeroAvia

📝 Enhancement Note: ZeroAvia's mission is to deliver certified, zero-emission aircraft systems for commercial use. This focus on sustainability and innovation drives the company's culture and approach to engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer, responsible for leading end-to-end integration projects and mentoring team members

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Aircraft Engineering Integration, with close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Airworthiness, Certification, Systems Safety, System Test, and downstream engineering

Technical Impact: Plays a critical role in ensuring system compatibility, safety, and certification readiness. Directly influences the successful integration of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems into aircraft platforms

Growth Opportunities:

Technical leadership and architecture decision-making opportunities as the company grows and expands its product offerings
Potential to specialize in specific areas of systems engineering or take on more strategic roles within the organization
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the development of emerging technologies in the aviation sector

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, as ZeroAvia continues to expand its product offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the zero-emission aviation sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on innovation and sustainability

Office Location(s): Kemble, United Kingdom, with additional offices in California, United States

Workspace Context:

Open-plan workspaces with dedicated team areas and collaboration zones
Access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools, including simulation software and testing facilities
Strong focus on work-life balance, with flexible working arrangements and supportive company culture

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows. Some on-call responsibilities may be required to support system testing and certification activities

📝 Enhancement Note: ZeroAvia's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth. The company's commitment to sustainability and zero-emission aviation technology creates a unique and exciting work environment for systems engineers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen (30 minutes): Discuss relevant systems engineering experience, with a focus on early lifecycle processes, control systems, and requirements management
Technical Deep Dive (1 hour): Delve into specific systems engineering challenges, simulation models, and system safety analysis techniques
Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview (45 minutes): Assess communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit with ZeroAvia's values and mission
Final Decision and Offer (TBD): Based on the results of the previous interviews and any additional assessments or tests

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects that demonstrate understanding of aircraft control systems, simulation models, and system safety analysis techniques
Showcase ability to work effectively in small, high-performance teams through team project or case study
Emphasize clear, structured, and communicated systems engineering documentation and process improvement initiatives

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on systems engineering fundamentals, with a focus on early lifecycle processes, control systems, and requirements management
Familiarize yourself with ARP4754A/B and ARP4761/A guidelines and their application to aircraft systems integration
Prepare for questions about system safety analysis techniques (FHA, FTA, FMEA) and reliability assessments

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: None specified
Web Frameworks: None specified
Server Technologies: None specified
Databases: None specified
Tools: RMT (Polarion, DOORS), CAE (Matlab Simulink, Simcenter), ARP4754A/B, ARP4761/A
Methodologies: Agile, V-cycle, Iterative development
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Stakeholder management, Mentoring, Teamwork
Industry Terms: Aircraft control systems, Simulation models, System safety analysis, Requirements management, Certification readiness

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit with ZeroAvia's mission and values. Preparation should focus on both systems engineering fundamentals and an understanding of the company's unique approach to sustainable aviation technology.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role

Backend & Server Technologies:

Aircraft control systems (preferably engine controls)
Aircraft or engine performance simulation and validation
System simulation models and controls models
Requirements management tools (RMT: Polarion, DOORS)
CAE tools (Matlab Simulink, Simcenter)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Agile development processes and iterative improvement
Version control systems (Git, Perforce, etc.)
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
Project management tools (Jira, Asana, etc.)

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with version control systems, CI/CD pipelines, and project management tools is highly desirable for this role, as they are essential for effective collaboration and communication within a software-centric development environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on emerging technologies and sustainable aviation solutions
Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and knowledge sharing
Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain a commitment to transparency and accountability in all aspects of work
Sustainability: Contribute to ZeroAvia's mission to deliver certified, zero-emission aircraft systems for commercial use

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional teams, with a focus on agility and decision-making at the team level
Regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings to ensure alignment and progress
Strong emphasis on communication and collaboration between teams and stakeholders

📝 Enhancement Note: ZeroAvia's culture is driven by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. The company's values and approach to engineering create a unique and exciting work environment for systems engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Early Lifecycle Processes: Develop and maintain system architecture, functions, and interfaces, with a focus on the early phases of the V model
Control Systems: Design and implement aircraft control systems, including the capture of control functions and requirements, as well as the authoring of controller specifications to facilitate item development
System Safety Analysis: Apply system safety analysis techniques (FHA, FTA, FMEA) and reliability assessments to ensure system compatibility, safety, and certification readiness
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, fuel cell systems, and EVTOLs, and adapt to new technologies as they emerge

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in systems engineering, early lifecycle processes, control systems, and requirements management through on-the-job training, workshops, and conferences
Mentoring and Leadership: Develop mentoring and leadership skills through formal training programs, coaching, and on-the-job experiences
Architecture Decision-Making: Gain experience in architecture decision-making and technical leadership as the company grows and expands its product offerings

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities, as ZeroAvia continues to develop and deploy cutting-edge hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial use.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Early Lifecycle Processes: Describe your experience with early lifecycle processes, with a focus on the V model and requirements management
Control Systems: Explain your approach to designing and implementing aircraft control systems, including the capture of control functions and requirements
System Safety Analysis: Walk through your process for applying system safety analysis techniques (FHA, FTA, FMEA) and reliability assessments to ensure system compatibility, safety, and certification readiness

Company & Culture Questions:

ZeroAvia's Mission: Explain how your work on this project contributes to ZeroAvia's mission to deliver certified, zero-emission aircraft systems for commercial use
Collaboration & Communication: Describe your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with stakeholders
Innovation & Adaptability: Discuss your experience with emerging technologies and your ability to adapt to new tools and processes as they emerge

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Relevant Projects: Highlight relevant projects that demonstrate your understanding of aircraft control systems, simulation models, and system safety analysis techniques
Technical Deep Dive: Prepare for a detailed discussion of your approach to systems engineering, early lifecycle processes, and requirements management
Company Fit: Emphasize your alignment with ZeroAvia's mission, values, and commitment to sustainable aviation technology

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit with ZeroAvia's mission and values. Preparation should focus on both systems engineering fundamentals and an understanding of the company's unique approach to sustainable aviation technology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Systems Engineer position at ZeroAvia:

Customize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant systems engineering experience, with a focus on early lifecycle processes, control systems, and requirements management
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Emphasize your alignment with ZeroAvia's mission, values, and commitment to sustainable aviation technology
Prepare for Technical Phone Screen: Brush up on systems engineering fundamentals, with a focus on early lifecycle processes, control systems, and requirements management
Research ZeroAvia: Familiarize yourself with the company's history, mission, and approach to sustainable aviation technology
Prepare for Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview: Reflect on your experiences with collaboration, communication, and adaptability, and how they align with ZeroAvia's values and mission

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

Senior Systems Engineer