Principal Systems Engineer
£46,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2129 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 58% sure that is the right code. ALTEN LTD is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
This could also be SOC 2126 (Aerospace engineers) or SOC 2133 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2129 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £36,900 Clears | £41,500 Clears | £46,100 Clears |
2126 Aerospace engineers Also possible | £36,700 Clears | £41,900 Clears | £47,200 Clears | £52,400 Clears |
2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers Also possible | £38,400 Clears | £43,900 Clears | £49,400 Clears | £54,900 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to support the definition and development of complex defence systems from the earliest stages of the product lifecycle. You will provide technical leadership, shape system-level solutions, and help guide engineering teams through concept and development activities.
Location: Stevenage or Bristol
On-site Requirement: 3 Days Per Week
Seniority: 10+ Years Experience
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead systems engineering activities across concept and early lifecycle development.
- Define system solutions, requirements, and technical trade studies.
- Support technical decision-making and systems-level analysis.
- Engage with stakeholders to understand evolving operational requirements.
- Guide and mentor engineers within the wider systems team.
- Support design reviews and programme-level engineering activities.
Required Skills
- Demonstrable experience leading systems engineering activities across complex engineering programmes.
- Strong understanding of requirements development, management, and traceability throughout the system lifecycle.
- Experience supporting early-stage concept definition, trade studies, and solution development activities.
- Ability to analyse complex technical problems and make informed system-level decisions.
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Proven technical leadership and mentoring capability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence and guide engineering teams through complex technical challenges.
- Strong collaborative approach to cross-functional engineering delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
Desirable Skills
- Experience working on defence or weapon system development programmes.
- Familiarity with IBM Rhapsody or comparable systems engineering tools.
- Experience supporting concept assessment and feasibility studies.
- Exposure to systems architecture and solution definition activities.
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with ALTEN LTD, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified (SOC 2129) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~167k in sample- Middle half £37,856–59,488
- Median £46,280
- Going rate £46,100
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–41,500
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at ALTEN LTDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. ALTEN LTD holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2129 going rate of £46,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.