Senior Avionic Systems Integration Engineer

Join our team as a System Integration and Test Engineer and play a key role in delivering complex avionics systems within cutting‑edge defence and aerospace programmes. You will take ownership of communications and power system architecture, driving integration strategy and leading de‑risk activities across lab‑based environments. This role combines hands‑on integration with systems‑level decision‑making in a highly regulated, safety‑critical context.

Location: Stevenage
On-site: Remote with occasional on‑site travel
Seniority: Senior (8+ years’ experience)
Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and mature the communications and power system architecture across complex avionics platforms
• Lead system‑level trade‑offs and make critical architectural decisions to balance performance, risk, and delivery
• Own equipment selection across COTS, MOTS, and bespoke solutions
• Drive the system integration strategy, including test philosophy, success criteria, and de‑risk planning
• Lead hands‑on lab integration and compatibility testing (SIL, HIL, Iron Bird environments)
• Act as the technical authority, interfacing with SMEs, suppliers, and multi‑disciplinary engineering teams

Required Skills

• Strong V‑Model systems engineering experience within avionics or complex electronic systems
• Hands‑on background in system integration and lab‑based testing environments
• Experience with avionics networks, power architectures, and EMC considerations
• Proven ability to own and manage system and equipment requirements
• Confidence making architectural decisions in time‑critical, high‑pressure environments

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Clear and confident technical communicator
• Comfortable operating as a lead engineer or technical authority
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with a pragmatic approach to delivery
• Effective collaborator within multi‑disciplinary engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or related discipline, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working in defence or other safety‑critical environments
• Exposure to supplier management and external technical interfaces
• Background in communications and power subsystems within avionics platforms

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & 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.