Principal Electronics Engineer

Principal Electronics Engineer

Stafford / Rugeley, Staffordshire

Up to £70,000

The Opportunity

KO2's client is a specialist engineering business operating in a highly regulated and technically demanding sector. They design, manufacture, and deliver electronic systems where performance and reliability are paramount, working on programmes that have genuine real-world impact. This is a rare opening for a Principal Electronics Engineer to join a small, expert team working on some of the most technically challenging and commercially significant projects in their field.

Why This Role Is Worth Your Attention

This is not a box-ticking electronics role. You will be working on complex, high-integrity systems that require serious analogue design capability and the confidence to take technical ownership from concept through to delivery. The team is experienced, the work is meaningful, and your contribution will be visible. Specifically, you will be involved in the design and development of electronic systems used in weapons interface applications for the UK defence sector, requiring SC security clearance.

This particular position is based at the client's Rugeley office in Staffordshire and is ideally suited to engineers in and around the Stafford, Cannock, or Lichfield areas. The role does require periodic travel to the client's principal site in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, typically one to two days per week or fortnight. Travel and hotel accommodation for those visits are fully covered by the company, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for the engineer. Overnight stays will be in the High Wycombe area.

The working week is 4.5 days (Friday afternoon off), with an initial site-based period at Rugeley that reduces over time as trust is established.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the design and development of complex electronic systems from concept through to production and in-service support
• Acting as technical authority for electronics across multiple concurrent programmes
• Defining system and subsystem requirements to meet customer, regulatory, and operational needs
• Providing expert guidance on analogue and mixed-signal electronic design, architecture, and component selection
• Conducting circuit analysis, simulation, and formal design reviews
• Overseeing schematic capture and guiding PCB layout activities
• Supporting verification, integration, qualification, and production phases
• Mentoring and developing engineers within the team
• Representing the business in technical reviews and customer meetings

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

• HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
• Significant experience designing electronic systems in high-reliability or regulated industries
• Strong analogue electronics design and circuit simulation expertise
• Experience with communication protocols such as RS485, SPI, I2C, CAN or similar
• Solid understanding of component selection, derating, reliability, and lifecycle considerations
• Ability to produce and review schematics and technical documentation to a high standard
• Understanding of PCB design principles, layout supervision, and design-for-manufacture
• Self-motivated and confident leading technical delivery in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable with occasional overnight stays as part of a planned travel schedule

Desirable:

• Experience with EMC design
• Digital circuit design background
• Wiring definition experience
• Familiarity with Altium Designer
• Prior experience in defence or aerospace

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the programmes involved, candidates must be British nationals and eligible for SC security clearance. Candidates who are dual nationals may be considered in certain circumstances, but this will require discussion at interview stage. A clean criminal record is required. BPSS screening will be conducted at the point of offer.

Salary and Package

Up to £70,000 basic salary, plus pension, life insurance, and a competitive wider benefits package. All approved travel and hotel costs for visits to the High Wycombe site are met in full by the company. Full package details will be provided at the appropriate stage.

To apply or find out more, please contact the KO2 team in confidence.