Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer (Group Lead) – Denham

Lead the teams. Shape the systems. Deliver engineering that saves lives.

Step into a leadership role where your technical expertise and people leadership will influence the future of life-saving aerospace technology. As a Principal Systems Engineer (Group Lead) at our Denham site, you'll lead engineering managers and their teams, driving the delivery of complex, safety-critical systems that protect aircrew around the world.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on systems engineering, helping shape products that perform when lives depend on them.

At Martin-Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life-saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.

We're proud of our long history in aerospace and defence, while remaining firmly focused on the future. Joining Martin-Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, exceptional engineering capability and a long-term commitment to its people, products and customers.

Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also meaningful. With over 7,805 lives saved, our people have the opportunity to be part of something with genuine impact.

The Opportunity

As Principal Systems Engineer (Group Lead), you'll provide leadership to a team of engineers each responsible for their own engineering teams. You'll oversee the delivery of systems engineering activities across multiple programmes, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance and successful project outcomes.

Working across the full systems engineering lifecycle—from architecture and requirements capture through to verification, integration and qualification—you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop safe, robust and commercially viable solutions.

Alongside your technical leadership, you'll play a key role in developing people, improving engineering capability and driving continuous improvement across the Systems Engineering function.

This role is based at our Denham site, with hybrid working considered following the successful completion of the probation period (six months).

What You'll Do

* Lead, mentor and develop engineering managers, supporting them to deliver high-performing teams aligned with business priorities.

* Apply Systems Engineering principles across multiple programmes to deliver safe, compliant and effective engineering solutions.

* Support prioritisation of engineering activities and resources to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.

* Capture, analyse and translate stakeholder requirements into robust system specifications and design guidance.

* Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in the development, integration and verification of complex aerospace subsystems.

* Conduct trade studies, architecture assessments and technical reviews to identify optimal engineering solutions.

* Support testing activities from proof-of-concept through to integration, qualification and certification.

* Identify, assess and mitigate technical risks throughout the product lifecycle.

* Champion continuous improvement across engineering processes, product quality and operational performance.

* Support workforce planning, recruitment and capability development across the teams within your group.

What We're Looking For

* Accredited STEM degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant engineering discipline.

* Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a recognised professional institution such as RAeS, IMechE or IET.

* Significant experience applying Systems Engineering principles, including architecture development, requirements management, verification and traceability.

* Proven experience leading engineering managers and multidisciplinary engineering teams within aerospace, defence or another highly regulated industry.

* Strong understanding of technical design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR.

* Excellent planning, communication and stakeholder management skills.

* Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and sound engineering judgement.

* Experience using Microsoft Office and project management tools.

* A collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people and delivering engineering excellence.

* Desirable

* Experience using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Enterprise Architect and SysML.

* Experience developing safety-critical aerospace or defence systems.

* Knowledge of ejection seat design principles or related subsystem modelling tools.

* Experience leading organisational or process improvement initiatives.

* Demonstrates and champions the Martin-Baker values.

Our Values

At Martin-Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who lead by example, take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.

What We Offer

Excellent pension package with strong employer support—Martin-Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non-contributory), with further employer contributions available as you increase your own.

Life Assurance.

Lunchtime finish every Friday.

Personalised training and development plan.

Healthcare Cash Plan.

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.

Martin-Baker+ retail discounts platform.

Occupational Health team.

Workplace Nursery Benefit Scheme.

Cycle to Work scheme.

How to Apply / Your Interview Journey

Please submit your CV and, should you wish, a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, including your relevant leadership and systems engineering experience.

Following submission, your application will be reviewed by our recruitment team.

Initial telephone interview – A discussion with your Recruitment Business Partner.

First stage interview – A structured Microsoft Teams interview with the Hiring Manager to explore your technical experience and leadership approach.

Final stage interview – A face-to-face interview at our Denham site.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected and able to do their best work.

Martin-Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our ongoing support for serving personnel, veterans and military families.

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be currently residing in the UK. The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements