Senior Systems Engineer - Mission Computing

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 in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Join a team developing the next generation of mission computing technology for advanced military aircraft, taking technical ownership of processor platforms that will underpin multiple future defence programmes. This role offers the opportunity to influence product strategy, architecture and technology direction across a portfolio of cutting-edge airborne systems.

As a Senior Systems Engineer within the Core Technologies team at GD-MS UK, you will lead the development and evolution of our common processor-based VPX card portfolio, which supports a wide range of defence programmes and customers. You will provide technical leadership, drive innovation and ensure these foundational platform components deliver the performance, reliability and scalability required for demanding operational environments.

A key aspect of the role will be championing the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), applying model-based approaches to new product developments while guiding the transition of existing processor card product lines. You will oversee the integration of MBSE practices alongside traditional documentation methods, ensuring continuity, compliance and traceability throughout this transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and build comprehensive SysMLv2 requirements models for new processor-based card developments from inception, ensuring consistency and traceability across all system elements - Conduct comprehensive systems-level analysis and technical evaluations to identify optimisation opportunities and resolve complex engineering challenges such as FPGA integration, utilising both traditional and model-based approaches
• Own the Verification & Validation (V&V) cycle, ensuring testing is comprehensively planned and delivered to achieve full sign-off of product design, with complete traceability to requirements models maintained throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborate with mechanical, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and system compatibility across all project deliverables, promoting adoption of MBSE practices across disciplines
• Lead technical design reviews and provide expert guidance to junior engineers on both traditional systems engineering and model-based systems engineering methodologies, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement - Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, architecture diagrams, and SysMLv2 models, ensuring alignment between document-based and model-based representations
• Ensure all processor-based card designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational quality standards for defence applications - Analyse emerging technologies and industry trends to inform future Digital IO card development strategies and systems engineering practices

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in systems engineering with a focus on processor or hardware design
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Knowledge of processor architectures and system-level design principles
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with hardware validation, testing methodologies, and performance analysis
• Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software, and technical modelling platforms
• Leadership or mentoring experience within technical engineering environments
• Familiarity with semiconductor design processes and processor card manufacturing
• Knowledge of industry standards such as PCIe, DDR, and other relevant specifications
• Experience with power management, thermal analysis, and signal integrity considerations
• Background in systems architecture and platform-level design
• Understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost optimisation principles
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

This role has a salary of between £50,000 and £60,000 plus our flexible benefits package.

We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically 3 days working in office) on a weekly basis or fully in our offices.

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 personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company. 
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized 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 disabilityconfident@gd-ms.uk 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.