Engineering · All programmes
Lead Systems Engineer
Own the technical baseline that ties six systems into one, from requirements to field trial.
About Vaubren
Vaubren is a European defence technology company developing aircraft, command software, sensing and electronic warfare as one integrated system, with a person in command of every use of force. Our engineering team is based in Bulgaria, inside the European Union and NATO.
The role
Vaubren builds aircraft, sensing, electronic warfare and command software as one integrated system. You will own the technical baseline that holds it together: what each system must do, how its parts and interfaces fit, and how we prove it in test. The hard problem is keeping that baseline rigorous and traceable while designs move quickly, so that speed never costs safety.
Why this role
- You set the engineering backbone of the company while the architecture is still open, across every system we build
- Decisions you make in a design review reach the bench and the field quickly, and you see the results first hand
- Your work shapes how Europe defends its people, with a person in command of every use of force
What you will do
- Own system requirements, architecture and interface control across Vanguard, Cobra, Glacis, Headland, Stillpoint and Citadel
- Turn operational needs into requirements that engineers can design to and testers can verify
- Set up model-based systems engineering that suits a fast team, and mentor the engineers who use it
- Chair design reviews and record each decision with its reasons, alternatives and risks
- Run trade studies between performance, weight, power, cost, schedule and safety, and make the call
- Lead integration and verification planning, from bench and hardware-in-the-loop tests to field trials
- Build human control of every use of force into the architecture and safety case of each system, through operator authorisation or limits a commander sets
What you bring
- Typically 10+ years in systems engineering on complex hardware and software products, with several years as technical lead, ideally in aerospace, defence or robotics
- A record of taking at least one system from requirements through integration, test and delivery
- Depth in requirements management, interface control documents, verification matrices and design reviews
- Working knowledge of system safety methods such as hazard analysis and failure modes and effects analysis
- Clear technical writing and the judgement to decide with incomplete information
- Eligibility for national security vetting where the work requires it
If you meet most of these points but not all, we still encourage you to apply.
Nice to have
- Experience with uncrewed aircraft, counter-drone, electronic warfare or sensing systems
- Model-based systems engineering with SysML or similar tools
- Defence and aviation standards such as ARP4754A, ARP4761 or MIL-STD-882E
- Experience in a hardware company during the move from prototype to production
Working at Vaubren
- A full-time role in Bulgaria, inside the European Union and NATO
- Work across the whole system, from design review to field test
- Small teams with real ownership of their work
- Relocation discussed with each candidate
- Responsibilities, compensation and start date agreed in writing
How we hire
- 01
Application
Apply for a role or send an open application. Every application is reviewed by the team that is hiring.
- 02
First conversation
A call about your experience, the role and what you are looking for.
- 03
Technical interviews
A discussion of your past work and a practical problem drawn from the role.
- 04
Meet the team
Meet the people you would work with, in person in Bulgaria where possible.
- 05
Offer
Responsibilities, compensation and start date, agreed in writing.
Security and eligibility
Some roles involve work that is subject to security vetting and export control. Where a role requires it, we explain the process early, and an offer may depend on eligibility for national security clearance. You do not need a clearance to apply.
Vaubren is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone with the skills for the role, whatever their background. If you need an adjustment during the hiring process, tell us and we will make it.