The Destinus engineering team is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead the system-level definition and technical development of our effector programmes. This role sits at the centre of the development effort – bridging operational requirements and technical execution across propulsion, structures, avionics, and seeker.
The ideal candidate brings a defence systems background and understands the full development lifecycle of a guided effector – from ConOps and requirements through subsystem design, integration, and qualification. They are technically credible across multiple domains, rigorous in their systems thinking, and effective at driving alignment across disciplinary teams.
· Define and own system-level requirements for effector programmes – capturing operational needs, translating them into technical requirements, and maintaining traceability from ConOps through to subsystem specifications
· Develop and maintain ConOps and operational scenario definitions; work with the customer and programme stakeholders to ensure operational intent is correctly reflected in the system design
· Define and manage technical interfaces between subsystems (propulsion, warhead/pyrotechnics, structures, avionics, guidance, and GSE); own the ICD and IRS documentation
· Lead trade studies and make-or-buy analyses to identify the best technical and commercial solutions at system and subsystem level
· Identify and track critical components and subsystems; define mitigation strategies for technical risk and drive resolution through the engineering team
· Lead or support system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and prepare the associated technical baseline documentation
· Coordinate system integration activities across propulsion, structures, avionics, and external teams; ensure interfaces are closed and integration milestones are met
· Support verification and validation planning; define the V&V approach at system level and ensure it flows down to subsystem test plans
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
· 5–8 years of systems engineering experience on defence or weapons system programmes – rockets, missiles, or guided weapons are a strong advantage; a background in aerospace or space launcher development is also suitable
· Proven experience defining and managing system requirements and interfaces across multi-disciplinary teams in a defence acquisition or development environment
· Hands-on experience with ConOps development, trade studies, and make-or-buy decision frameworks
· Familiarity with system design review processes (SRR, PDR, CDR) and the associated technical documentation
· Experience with V&V planning and requirements traceability; exposure to relevant standards (e.g. ARP4754, DEF STAN, MIL-STD, or equivalent) is an advantage
· Solid understanding of at least one key effector subsystem domain – propulsion, structures, avionics, or guidance – with the breadth to work credibly across all of them
· Structured, rigorous, and delivery-focused – able to drive technical decisions without getting lost in analysis
· Fluent in English; German is an advantage
