Senior Systems Engineer – Defence

Play a key role in shaping the future of underwater defence technology.

ALTEN is seeking experienced Systems Engineers to support the development of mission-critical submarine systems on a long-term UK defence programme. Working on a complex multi-domain architecture, you'll take ownership across the entire systems engineering lifecycle — from understanding end-user needs through to solution design, integration and validation.
This is an opportunity to deliver impactful engineering in a secure, high-integrity environment, where your expertise directly supports national defence capability.

Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 2/3 days per week on site)
Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and deliver system-level engineering work packages across the entire V-Model lifecycle.
• Lead and contribute to systems design, architecture development, and requirements derivation.
• Apply systems thinking to identify and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and system interfaces.
• Analyse and interpret User Requirements Documents (URDs), create and manage baselines.
• Define and execute validation and verification strategies for complex hardware/software systems.
• Collaborate within project teams to produce high-quality artefacts, from concepts to test readiness.

Skills & Experience Required:

• 8+ years in systems engineering within defence, maritime, or similarly regulated sectors.
• Strong command of DOORS, system requirements management, and V lifecycle development.
• Understanding of submarine systems, complex defence architectures, or systems-of-systems.
• Familiarity with system safety, risk mitigation, and change management best practices.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage delivery, and communicate effectively.
• Must hold (or be eligible for) SC Clearance.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proactive approach to quality, compliance, and continuous learning.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or relevant technical/military background with equivalent hands-on experience.

Why join us? 

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. 

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. 

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. 

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. 

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today! 

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.