Senior Systems Engineer

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Smiths Detection is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our newly established systems engineering team, where you will play a key role in shaping its future. You will be part of a dynamic group focused on developing advanced defense and commercial products that support our mission of Making the World a Safer Place. In this role, you will take ownership of the system engineering lifecycle for systems, from conceptual design to final deployment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, experience in defense or commercial product development, and a passion for delivering mission-critical solutions.

Essential Job Functions, Activities and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead system engineering efforts across the entire product lifecycle, from concept through to retirement. Ensure alignment with customer requirements, technical specifications, and regulatory standards, while guiding design, development, and manufacturing phases.
• Collaborate with project and program managers to ensure program execution aligns with customer needs and contract requirements.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams (hardware, software, mechanical engineering, etc.) to define, design, and integrate complex systems.
• Lead system integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure systems meet operational and performance requirements.
• Develop system architectures, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Design and implement systems engineering frameworks, processes, and best practices to support system development, integration, and lifecycle management.
• Conduct system modeling, simulation, trade studies, and risk assessments to evaluate performance and inform design decisions.
• Develop and maintain system-level requirements, manage traceability, and ensure proper documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Support customer-facing activities, including design reviews, technical presentations, and troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems engineering processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Apply expertise in system architecture design, system modeling, and simulation techniques.
• Utilize configuration management, systems analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary environment.
• Quickly understand and contribute to complex technical concepts in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• Utilize systems engineering tools (e.g., Siemens TeamCenter, DOORS, SysML, MATLAB) and methodologies.
• Demonstrate technical leadership and project management experience within cross-functional teams.

Education Requirements

Required/Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Years of Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in systems engineering, with a focus on defense or product development.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of military standards, regulatory requirements, and defense industry practices (e.g., MIL-STD-810, FRACAS, DCMA, ITAR, etc.).
• Prior experience working on government contracts or military systems.

Additional Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required for this position.
• Preferred Qualifications: Active DoD Secret Clearance

Background:                

This position may require Sensitive Security Information (SSI) access and vetting via the TSA. If required, applicant must successfully pass a federal background investigation.
This position may require a U.S. Personal Security Clearance.

SDI is a Federal Contractor and a drug-free workplace. By submitting an application, I confirm that I understand that the Company has a right to require me to submit to a drug test prior to employment and at any time during my employment, to the extent permitted by law.

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity PostersIf you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email hr-1@smiths-detection.com.

Salary and Benefits: 

The compensation for this position ranges from $100,000 – 165,000/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail stat@smiths.com or call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)