Overview
Systems Design Engineers work on the functional design of complex engineered systems, translating high-level requirements into structured system behaviour, interfaces, and technical design definitions.
In this role, you will collaborate with systems architects, software engineers, and other technical specialists to develop, analyse, and refine system-level designs. The focus is on ensuring that system functionality is clearly defined, consistent, and capable of meeting performance and operational requirements.
The role spans the systems engineering lifecycle, from requirements analysis through to design definition and support to integration and verification activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse system and sub-system requirements to develop functional design solutions
- Define system behaviour, functional allocation, and interface definitions across software and hardware elements
- Develop and maintain design baselines from requirements through to implementation readiness
- Work with architects and engineering teams to ensure consistency of system design intent
- Support analysis of system behaviour, performance, and functional interactions
- Investigate and resolve design-related technical issues
- Contribute to definition and management of system interfaces
- Support integration and verification activities as required
- Produce clear technical documentation to support design traceability and understanding
Skills & Experience
- Experience in systems engineering or systems design within complex technical environments
- Strong understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle
- Ability to translate requirements into structured functional and behavioural designs
- Experience working across software and hardware interfaces
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM discipline
Desirable Experience / Tools
- Requirements management tools (e.g. IBM DOORS or similar)
- Systems modelling / MBSE tools (e.g. Rhapsody or equivalent)
- Understanding of software development lifecycle concepts
- Experience in aerospace, defence, or other high-integrity engineering sectors