Systems Architect

Systems Architect (Autonomous Systems)

Location: Bristol (hybrid - typically 3 days onsite)

Type: Permanent

Overview

A high-growth autonomous systems and aerospace/defence engineering organisation is expanding its Systems Engineering capability in the UK and is hiring a Systems Architect to support fast-moving demonstrator and programme work. This is a senior, hands-on architecture role operating close to leadership, helping shape how complex UAS / aircraft-level systems are defined, decomposed, verified, and certified.

You'll sit at the intersection of multiple disciplines-acting as the technical "glue" between engineering teams-and play a key role in translating mission needs into robust, testable system behaviour, requirements, and assurance strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Own system-level architecture from early concept and product definition through to delivery on programme milestones.

Lead cross-functional collaboration across disciplines (e.g., avionics, mission systems, payloads, software, safety, security, structures, propulsion), ensuring coherent end-to-end design decisions.

Develop and manage requirements (capture, decomposition, traceability, verification planning), including clear rationale and interfaces.

Drive MBSE practices and system modelling approaches; contribute to selection/use of modelling and requirements toolsets (and associated ways of working).

Define system behaviour, operational concepts, and verification strategies; support test planning and evidence generation.

Contribute to hazard-led engineering, including hazard logs and assurance artefacts across the lifecycle.

Engage with senior stakeholders to help shape engineering direction, standards adoption, and delivery governance.

Required Experience / Skills

Strong background in systems architecture for complex, safety-/mission-critical products (aerospace, defence, autonomy, robotics, or similarly regulated environments).

Practical experience with MBSE and requirements/architecture tooling (e.g., requirements management + modelling + PLM ecosystem).

Working knowledge of safety/assurance frameworks and lifecycle evidence expectations, including experience aligned to standards such as:

ARP4751 / ARP4761 (or closely related aerospace systems assurance frameworks)

Relevant military standards and regulated development constraints

Confidence shaping requirements and verification strategies across multiple subsystems and stakeholders.

Comfortable operating at principal level: making decisions with incomplete information, moving quickly, and influencing across teams.

Nice to Have

Exposure to certification campaigns / regulated delivery programmes (civil or defence), and the reality of turning engineering work into "audit-ready" evidence.

Experience in autonomy / UAS / aircraft-level product development.

Call to Action:

If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to submit your up-to-date CV for consideration. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can make a significant impact with our Client.