Systems Design Engineer
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
£46,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2129 (65% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £46,100, and ALTEN LTD is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, ALTEN LTD assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2129 jobs, according to the Home Office.
This could also be SOC 2133 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers) or SOC 2126 (Aerospace engineers). 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 |
2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers Also possible | £38,400 Clears | £43,900 Clears | £49,400 Clears | £54,900 Clears |
2126 Aerospace engineers Also possible | £36,700 Clears | £41,900 Clears | £47,200 Clears | £52,400 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
Join a highly capable engineering team developing complex mission and safety-critical systems for next-generation defence applications. You will support system definition, requirements development, integration activities, and technical problem solving throughout the engineering lifecycle.
Location: Stevenage or Bristol
On-site Requirement: On Site
Seniority: 3-10 Years Experience
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Support systems engineering activities across the full development lifecycle.
- Capture, manage, and decompose system requirements.
- Contribute to system design, integration, and verification activities.
- Support technical reviews, risk assessments, and design decisions.
- Work closely with software, electronics, and test teams.
- Produce and maintain systems engineering documentation.
Required Skills
- Proven experience applying systems engineering principles across the development of complex products or platforms.
- Experience capturing, managing, and decomposing system requirements throughout the engineering lifecycle.
- Strong understanding of system integration, verification, and validation activities.
- Experience producing technical documentation and supporting engineering reviews.
- Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical solutions.
Soft Skills & Collaboration
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate complex technical challenges.
- Excellent communication skills when engaging with engineering stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
- Proactive and adaptable approach to working in fast-paced project environments.
- Ability to balance technical detail with programme-level objectives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
Desirable Skills
- Experience working within defence, aerospace, or autonomous systems environments.
- Familiarity with systems modelling tools such as IBM Rhapsody.
- Exposure to early lifecycle concept development and trade studies.
- Experience supporting safety-critical systems development.
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
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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. In 2025, ALTEN LTD assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2129 jobs, according to the Home Office. 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.