Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer (Contract)
Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight (on-site required, particularly during initial period)
Rate: Up to £60/hr PAYE / £81.05/hr Umbrella (Inside IR35)
Duration: Initial 6 months (extension potential)
Security: SC clearance mandatory (or ability to obtain UK SC Clearance)
We are supporting a leading defence organisation with the hire of a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer to join a specialist team delivering complex phased array radar systems. This contract opportunity is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight and requires a strong Systems Engineering professional who can provide technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle.
The successful candidate will apply Systems Engineering principles from requirements definition through system integration, verification and validation, customer acceptance, and ongoing product evolution. The role involves analysing performance data from modelled and real-world systems, managing design trade-offs, and developing robust system or sub-system solutions to meet functional and performance objectives.
On-site requirement / Cowes location
The preference is full-time on-site in Cowes. Candidates based elsewhere may be considered where a strong skill match is demonstrated; however, non-local hires will typically be expected to complete an initial immersion/training period of at least three months in Cowes. This approach supports effective onboarding, close collaboration with engineering stakeholders, and delivery against programme objectives.
Key responsibilities
- Lead system and sub-system design activities across the full development lifecycle
- Decompose and manage requirements using approved toolsets (e.g., IBM DOORS Next)
- Undertake architectural modelling and interface definition using tools such as CATIA Magic (Cameo) or Enterprise Architect
- Plan and support system integration, test planning/execution, and V&V strategies
- Contribute to/lead technical reviews and support Design/Technical Authority activities
- Provide guidance and mentoring to engineers within the wider project team
Essential experience
- Significant Systems Engineering experience within defence or similarly regulated environments
- Strong understanding and application of ISO 15288 (and associated lifecycle governance)
- Requirements management and configuration management experience (DOORS Next preferred)
- MBSE / model-based approaches and architectural modelling (Cameo or Enterprise Architect)
- Proven experience across integration, verification, validation and acceptance evidence.
Apply now or contact me directly to discuss the role in confidence.