Principal Systems Verification & Validation Engineer

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible.
This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Principal Verification & Validation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in proving the performance, safety and compliance of our software and hardware products. You’ll work within a multi‑disciplined project environment, supporting planning, execution and reporting of Verification & Validation activities that enable critical UK defence capabilities.

You’ll be part of our UK Defence business – a sovereign software and systems centre of excellence delivering complex, multi‑domain command and control systems. Our work forms an essential backbone of the Royal Navy and wider mission systems, and you’ll join a team that thrives on curiosity, collaboration and innovation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Promoting best practice across the Verification & Validation engineering lifecycle in line with corporate and industry standards.
• Planning, conducting and reporting Verification & Validation activities using approved methods, tools and processes.
• Leading or supervising engineers to ensure effective delivery of scoped work packages.
• Contributing to project artefacts such as requirements inputs, design estimates, management plans, metrics and reviews.
• Participating in design reviews, risk reviews, integration, acceptance and diagnostic test activities.
• Managing defect investigation, issue resolution and progress reporting to programme stakeholders.
• Applying IVVTQA principles and supporting systems engineering activities across requirements, design, integration, Verification & Validation and acceptance stages.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Degree, HND, HNC or equivalent experience in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Control Systems Engineering or similar field.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in planning and delivering IVVTQA / Verification & Validation activities within a systems engineering lifecycle.
• Competence in using DOORS or similar requirements and test management tools.
• Experience applying Verification & Validation processes aligned to defence, military or recognised industry standards.
• Ability to supervise, coach and support junior engineers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and development of effective remediation actions.

Preferred:

• Experience working within complex, safety‑critical or regulated engineering environments.
• Exposure to multi‑domain mission systems, naval systems or command and control solutions.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We hire for potential as well as experience.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a UK national to meet security requirements.
You must be able to obtain and maintain SC (Security Check) clearance.
Our recruitment team is here to help guide you through the process: talentenquiriesuk.ngc.com

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including the option of a compressed fortnight.
• Private healthcare and a comprehensive cash health plan.
• Holiday buy/sell scheme.
• Career development programmes and mentoring.
• Performance-related bonuses.

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. From advanced maritime systems to multi‑domain command and control, your work will help shape the future of national security.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

We’re committed to an inclusive culture where every voice matters. From our Employee Resource Groups to partnerships with organisations such as Women in Defence, AFBE and Mind, we’re building a workplace where you can bring your authentic self.

Your Career, Your Way

With diverse roles, technical pathways, mentorship and tailored career development, you can shape your career in the way that works for you. We also offer flexibility to help balance life, wellbeing and work commitments.

Ready to Apply?

Yes: Submit your application online today.
Possibly: Reach out to our team for a confidential chat – talentenquiriesuk.ngc.com
No: Explore more opportunities with Northrop Grumman UK. We’re growing across the country