About this role
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will join our Horsham team to support our activities within the clean energy and hydrogen technologies sector.
You will act as a recognised technical authority, leading the development and integration of advanced fuel cell and electrolysis systems. Working across multiple programmes, you will shape system architecture, influence technology strategy, and provide technical leadership to support the industrialisation of next-generation clean energy solutions.
Location: HorshamOn Site: HybridClearance: ClearableExperience Level: Senior Principal Key Responsibilities:
Act as the technical authority for system architecture, performance, and integration across multiple fuel cell and electrolysis programmesLead the development, review, and approval of system architectures, ensuring alignment with technical and commercial objectivesProvide technical governance across projects, including design reviews, technical risk management, and system trade-off decisionsLead the resolution of complex cross-functional system issues with significant business impactInfluence product roadmaps and technology strategies through system-level technical expertiseDevelop and embed digital-first approaches to stack and system developmentLead verification and validation planning, execution, and interpretation activitiesSupport customer engagements, technical proposals, negotiations, and strategic partnershipsDrive the identification and mitigation of system-level technical risksMentor and coach engineers, supporting the development of future technical leadersContribute to the continuous improvement of systems engineering processes, standards, and best practicesSupport intellectual property development through the identification of patentable innovations and technical differentiationBuild and maintain strong relationships with customers, industrial partners, and academic collaborators Required Skills:
Extensive experience in system design and integration of complex electrochemical energy systemsDeep understanding of thermo-fluids, electrochemistry, balance of plant systems, controls, and system dynamicsProven ability to solve novel and highly complex system-level engineering challengesExpertise in verification and validation methodologies, planning, and executionAdvanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, methods, and toolsExceptional stakeholder management and communication skillsAbility to communicate complex technical concepts to senior leadership, customers, and external partnersProven experience influencing technical decisions across multidisciplinary organisationsStrong leadership and mentoring capabilitiesRequired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.Significant experience leading systems engineering activities within complex engineering programmesDemonstrated expertise in system architecture, integration, and product developmentTrack record of providing technical leadership across multiple projects or business-critical initiativesDesirable Skills:
Experience with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and/or Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC) technologiesKnowledge of hydrogen, energy generation, or renewable energy systemsExperience supporting technology industrialisation and commercial deploymentUnderstanding of system-level intellectual property strategy and patent developmentExperience working with external partners, customers, and research organisationsFamiliarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools 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 industriesPrivate Medical InsuranceCycle & Tech Scheme Employee assistance programmeLife insurance & Pension SchemeSocial atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildingsFlexible 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.