Senior Hardware Systems Engineer - (Tactical Communications Systems)

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics UK is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer – Hardware Systems Engineering to make a significant contribution to the system design of complex C4I systems across a variety of defence programmes. This role sits within the Systems Engineering discipline and will support the development and delivery of hardware-focused solutions, including Tactical Communications Systems, military computers and networking electronics. 

Working as part of a multi-disciplined engineering team, you will support activity across the full engineering lifecycle — from requirements capture, development, test and acceptance through to in-service support and obsolescence management. The role will involve working across MoD development and delivery programmes, Customer Research and Development, and Internal Research and Development. 

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping hardware aspects of system solutions, with responsibilities including:

• Supporting requirements elicitation, development and interface definition
• Contributing to design analysis, including functional and physical analysis, alternative solution development and trade studies
• Supporting the specification of sub-systems, components and cabling
• Applying open and military standards to the design and development of hardware solutions
• Supporting the development and delivery of system integration and test activities
• Working with safety, security, Integrated Logistics Support and system integration teams to deliver a coherent system solution
• Supporting technical subcontractor and supplier management where required
• Producing well-structured technical documentation in line with agreed schedules
• Presenting at progress reviews and contributing effectively in meetings with internal and external stakeholders

We’re looking for someone with broad systems engineering capability and a strong understanding of military hardware environments. You’ll be confident working across technical teams, resolving design challenges and supporting the delivery of practical, robust engineering solutions.

You will bring:

• Broad competence in systems engineering
• Experience resolving design challenges
• Understanding of military hardware, particularly in relation to Tactical Communications Systems, military computers and networking electronics
• Knowledge and application of open and military standards
• Understanding of climatic and induced environments
• Experience engaging specialist engineering disciplines such as Safety, Security and ILS to deliver complete system solutions
• Methodical analytical fault-finding skills, with confidence working in a technical laboratory environment and following lab rules such as PPE and safe handling requirements
• Experience with structured design methods
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplined teams
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio
• Cable specification and design experience is desirable
• Good understanding of the OSI model is desirable
• Experience using engineering tools for requirements management and system design is desirable

Salary for this position is £45,600 to £60,000 depending on experience plus our excellent flexible benefits package.

We offer hybrid working - for this role ideally we are looking for an average of 2 days per week per month on site.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits: 

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off. 
• A personalised career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company. 
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded with flexible benefits 

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Please email [email protected] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks

Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person—not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role.

We appreciate the time you take to apply.