About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Principal Systems Engineer to lead and execute systems engineering tasks for contracted systems within a complex and fast-paced Defense environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing and facilitating system design to meet performance and contractual requirements and will act as a technical authority across functional and operational performance domains. Additionally, the role includes responsibilities in technical management, providing critical support to the Project Manager, including risk, development, and interface planning typically captured in a System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering; Preferably an Honours or Master's degree in Engineering (Electronic, Computer or related disciplines).
• 7-10 years’ experience in systems engineering within a Defense or high-integrity environment.
• Proven experience in end-to-end system design, requirements management, and technical integration.

Key Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, and multidisciplinary engineering principles.
• Excellent grasp of engineering processes and ability to navigate review gates and change control protocols.
• Proficiency in defining and maintaining systems architecture, design documentation, specifications, and baselines.
• Skilled in using modelling, simulation, and systems analysis to demonstrate optimal designs.
• Ability to integrate specialist engineering areas (e.g., EMI/EMC, thermal, FEM).
• Ownership and management of system data packs, including change control and audit readiness.
• Competence in requirements management and verification/validation activities aligned to system specifications.

Key responsibilities

Task Planning and Contracting

• Develop and maintain a detailed System Engineering Milestone Plan aligned with project deliverables.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to define project scope, planning and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Specify technical requirements and manage internal/external engineering work packages.

2. System Definition and Design

• Lead the development of high-level requirements, system architecture and design documentation.
• Oversee system synthesis, trade-off studies, and reliability engineering programmes.
• Manage all technical documentation schedules and outputs.

3. System Verification and Validation

• Define and manage verification, validation, and acceptance testing procedures.
• Ensure system performance meets contractual and client expectations.

4. Technical Management

• Provide technical direction and integration planning across systems.
• Interface with contractors and suppliers to ensure deliverable compliance.
• Report technical progress, manage technical risks, and represent the technical interface to clients.

5. Quality Management and Standards Adherence

• Act as the “Requirements Owner” and “Data Pack Owner” ensuring compliance and control of all system data packs.
• Facilitate updates to configuration-controlled documentation.
• Support the execution of safety analyses and standards adherence.

Why Join Us?

Join our forward-thinking and collaborative team where your skills and knowledge will shape the future of engineering solutions. As a Systems Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of delivering innovative, complex systems to clients while playing a pivotal role in managing high-profile projects. We offer a stimulating work environment, ample opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to fostering continuous innovation. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you.

What We Offer:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 3 September 2025

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.