Combat Systems Engineer

Overview

Design, integrate and verify naval combat systems for small‑ship platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• documentation
• system integration
• verification testing
• requirements management
• supplier liaison
• solution alignment

Tasks

Reporting to the Head of Defence, the Combat Systems Engineer will manage the design, integration, and verification of naval combat systems, working closely with suppliers, software developers, and combat integrators. The position requires strong technical understanding, confidence working across disciplines, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. -Produce and maintain system-level documentation, interface definitions, and design artefacts. -Lead and coordinate combat systems integration activities, supported by subcontractors. -Support verification, validation, and acceptance testing, including customer demonstrations and trials. -Work collaboratively with design and software teams to align technical solutions with customer requirements. -Liaise with suppliers, software developers, and subcontracted integrators to ensure coherent system delivery. -Manage requirements capture, system design, and verification in line with the V-model.

Requirements

• v-model
• maritime defence
• combat systems
• system architecture
• security clearance
• ocea

What You Bring

This newly created role represents an excellent opportunity for a technically capable engineer with experience in the maritime defence domain to take ownership of key combat systems integration activities. The successful candidate will act as the sole permanent Combat Systems Integration Engineer, supported by two temporary subcontractors, and will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of combat systems on small-ship platforms. This role is ideally suited to an early-career engineer with a couple of years of experience in the maritime defence sector, particularly within naval systems design or integration. The successful candidate will combine technical credibility with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams within a small but fast-moving environment. -Familiarity with the V-model or other structured systems engineering methodologies. -Location: Southampton, with occasional travel to the Isle of Wight. -Strong communication skills, comfortable engaging with suppliers and stakeholders. -Exposure to organisations such as Frazer-Nash, Thales, or BAE Systems. -Demonstrable experience in the maritime defence sector (mandatory). -Travel: infrequent—approximately once every six months to export customers (South East Asia, Africa, South America, Eastern Europe etc). -Initial training: up to 2 weeks in France (can be staggered). -Background in naval combat systems engineering or systems integration. -Good understanding of system architectures, interfaces, and requirements management. -Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC). -Experience with small-ship combat systems or export naval programmes. -Understanding of DEF STANs or MoD engineering standards. -Familiarity with OCEA or similar Excel-based tools.

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Benefits

This position offers a unique opportunity to join a growing defence engineering business at a pivotal point in project delivery. The successful candidate will enjoy autonomy, technical variety, and exposure to international naval projects, while developing their expertise in combat systems integration within a collaborative, supportive environment. -Hybrid working: 1–2 days per week from home. -Working hours: 9–5 with flexibility.

About Str Group

-Founded to bridge the gap between talent and industry in the engineering and technology sectors. -Has grown steadily, focusing on long-term partnerships with organizations in the infrastructure and engineering spaces. -Typical projects include recruitment for large-scale infrastructure projects, energy development, and tech-driven engineering roles. -Offers recruitment across various sectors, from energy and utilities to technology and construction. -Distinguished by their specialized approach to recruitment in high-demand sectors like energy, engineering, and technology. -Pioneers in adapting their recruitment strategies to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-must be eligible for uk security clearance (sc).