Are you a seasoned Combat Systems or Autonomous Systems Engineer looking for an impactful role within the Defence sector? Evodia Limited is seeking a highly skilled SC cleared Principal Combat Systems Engineer for a key client based in Bristol, with the flexibility of hybrid working—two days a week onsite. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative naval programmes and bring your expertise in combat and autonomous systems to the forefront of defence capability development.
What You’ll Be Working On
As the lead engineer, you’ll be instrumental in delivering critical design and assessment studies related to rapid capability insertion for Navy platforms. Your core focus will be on the analysis and realisation of modular capabilities for ships taken up from trade, including assessing their suitability to host military effects, considering autonomy, automation, and AI enhancements. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of an integrated test, evaluation, and acceptance plan for the Atlantic NET programme, supporting anti-submarine warfare data sharing and sensor capability enhancement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on STUFT Modular Capability, delivering analysis on adapting vessels for military use, including effects, communications, resupply, and support functions.
- Undertake platform needs analysis, space, weight, power calculations and risk assessments aligned with maritime system standards.
- Support the development of technical solutions that exploit the latest advancements in autonomous and naval systems, with a focus on disaggregated and scalable modules.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to ensure technical excellence and programme success.
- Prepare high-quality reports, documenting findings, recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies within tight deadlines.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Chartered in a relevant engineering discipline or a minimum of 7 years’ experience in combat or autonomous systems engineering, with recent (last 5 years) practical experience on naval systems, particularly focusing on Ships Taken up from Trade (STUFT), adaptable ship and platform design, and autonomous platforms.
- Experience leading naval combat or autonomous systems teams, with a proven track record in concept development, system integration, and effectors/sensors alignment.
- Knowledge of modern naval technologies including UxV’s, autonomous systems, disaggregated sensing, and combat management systems.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate capability requirements into practical design solutions whilst considering defence standards and strategic objectives.
- Experience working within secure environments, with SC security clearance is a minimum requirement.
Desirable Skills
- Experience of modular, disaggregated command, control and effectors systems for naval applications.
- Knowledge of Sensors, Effectors, and C2 systems influencing future Royal Navy operations.
- Ability to produce clear, well-structured technical reports on complex projects.
Details & Next Steps
This is a contract position from 13 May 2026 to 31 March 2027, offering up to £650 per day (inside IR35). The role is designed to support national defence programmes, operating on a 153-day spread over the contract period. The client is a subject matter expert in the field, committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and technical excellence.
If you match the essential criteria and are eager to contribute to innovative naval capabilities, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to explore this exciting opportunity with Evodia Limited. For the purpose of this advert Evodia Limited is acting as an Employment Business.