Principal Engineer 1 (Systems)

Systra
Systra

London, UK

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Context

The Principal Engineer will be accountable for the design delivery of allocated engineering work packages within their discipline (see accompanying addendum), ensuring the delivery of all the specified project outcomes on time, within budget and to the client’s specifications. The role holder should ensure project requirements are fully met and technically sound design solutions are produced, including all associated reporting and cost estimating, to programme and within budget.

Missions/Main Duties

  • Production and approval of design concepts, drawings, specifications and other technical documents
  • Establishment of internal design standards and/or processes to achieve a continuous improvement in quality and efficiency, contributing to long term technical development of the office by application of new techniques, procedures and practices
  • To work at any position within a project team to achieve the project objectives
  • Competent to work unsupervised and to supervise others; competent to check and approve the work of others; competent to sign off design certificates on behalf of the company
  • Preparation, checking and/or approval of feasibility studies, outline and detailed design technical reports and other written documents
  • Implement effective, value for money and innovative design solutions to meet technical and project requirements
  • Prepare and check engineering designs, calculations, and oversee production
  • Prepare and check technical documents and reports and assist in the preparation of expressions of interest and tenders
  • Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation, particularly the CDM Regulations.
  • Effective management of and response to project related correspondence
  • Acting as representative within the Technical Directorate and Production Centres in the wider SYSTRA Group.
  • Demonstrate behaviours aligned with SYSTRA’s behavioural framework by actively fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and empowerment, contributing to an environment where all collegues can thrive, achieve, and grow together

Profile/Skills

  • Hold domain recognised systems integration/engineering qualifications such as ASEP, CSEP, CPRE or specialist qualifications e.g. in safety critical systems engineering.
  • Experience of contract conditions, processes and procedures
  • Experience of line management
  • Knowledgeable on relevant design software
  • Relevant degree
  • Membership of a relevant professional body / engineering institute i.e. ICE, IET, IMechE
  • Professionally qualified Chartered or Incorporated Engineer
  • Ability to:

    • Act as an authority in Systems Engineering, which may include leadership of specialists in:
      • Requirements Engineering, Integrated Systems Design and System Architecting.
      • System(s) modelling and analysis e.g. Functional, Physical, Performance.
      • Systems Integration.
      • Configuration and Change Control Management and system migration planning.
      • Verification, Validation, Qualification, Certification and Assurance.
      • Specialist Systems Engineering discipline activities (e.g. Safety, Security, Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, EMC, Human Factors, etc.).
  • Develop, tailor and scale appropriate Systems Engineering processes for projects.
  • Demonstratable Systems Engineering Leadership of significant and complex projects
  • Experience of Systems Engineering Planning including allocation of appropriate and sufficient technical resourcing on projects/programmes/portfolios of work.
  • Experience of development/use of Systems Engineering performance and quality metrics and measures.

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Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how Systra can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email:

reasonableadjustments@systra.com where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.