Senior Systems Engineer (Architecture and Requirements)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join ZeroAvia based in Kemble. This role operates across system architecture, requirements engineering, and verification & validation, flexing between these responsibilities as program needs evolve.

This is a critical position supporting the delivery of certified, zero‑emission aircraft propulsion systems, directly contributing to ZeroAvia’s mission.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Deliver system architecture, requirements, and V&V outputs across aircraft, system, and item levels for the ZA200 propulsion system.
• Operate as system architect, V&V engineer, and/or white‑box requirements engineer, adapting scope as programme maturity evolves.
• Develop and maintain system architectures, including functional allocation, SAD/SDD authorship, ICD definition, and requirement traceability across system and equipment boundaries.
• Define and execute system‑level verification and validation programmes, including:
• Validation and Verification Plan authorship
• Test plan and test procedure development
• Verification matrix management
• Review and acceptance of supplier V&V data
• Lead requirements elicitation and management at all levels, including white‑box controller requirements:
• Control function definition
• Design constraint derivation
• Controller and item‑level specification authorship
• Contribute to and maintain DAP, Validation Plan, and associated lifecycle planning documentation, updating content as program maturity develops.
• Work closely with Airworthiness, Certification, Systems Safety, System Test, and downstream engineering teams to deliver lean, compliant system development in line with ARP4754B and ARP4761/A.
• Support technical reviews and certification activities, ensuring development assurance objectives are met.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electronic, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in systems engineering within the aerospace sector, with direct involvement in aviation certification programs.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft systems development under CS‑23, CS‑25, CS‑E, or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Deep applied experience of ARP4754B is essential.
• Working knowledge of ARP4761 / ARP4761A, DO‑178C, and DO‑254.
• Familiarity with DO‑160G and AC 20‑189 advantageous.
• Strong experience in system architecture development, including functional allocation, SAD / SDD authorship, ICD management, and end‑to‑end requirements traceability.
• Proven capability defining and executing system‑level V&V programmes, including test planning, procedure development, and verification matrix management.
• Deep expertise in requirements engineering, including white‑box (controller‑level) requirements definition.
• Proficiency with Polarion or equivalent requirements management tools; MATLAB / Simulink or similar tools for controls validation advantageous.
• Experience working on low‑maturity or new product introduction programmes preferred.
• Background in certified or in‑certification propulsion, power, or flight control systems desirable.
• Experience with electric propulsion, fuel cell, or eVTOL systems considered an asset.
• Proven ability to work effectively in small, high‑performance engineering teams and to mentor others on lifecycle and development assurance best practice.

Benefits

At ZeroAvia, we’re clean sky thinkers. For the world to achieve truly clean, guilt-free flight, we need a scalable solution; hydrogen-electric powertrains. As a leader in zero-emission aviation and a UK Jet Zero Council member, we’re designing and commercialising hydrogen-powered solutions that will positively impact the future of aviation, global connectivity, and the world. 

Join us at our Global HQ in Cotswold Airport, home to some of our aircraft and the workplace of many ZeroAvians. Located just outside the historic market town of Cirencester, you’ll experience a workspace built by engineers for engineers. This is a high-velocity and fast-paced environment with good links to the M4 and M5, so it’s fitting that it’s also our UK Head Office.

Why Join Us? 

We want to help you be your best self, at work and at home, that’s why we provide our employees with… 

• Private health and dental care – get access to services and support when you need them. Add your family members too.
• Mental health support – enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support. 
• Free lunch and healthy snacks – keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future** 
• Sports, games and culture clubs – connect and keep fit with other ZeroAvians by joining one of our clubs – such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening. 

We also offer:  

• Stock options – so you can share in our success. 
• 25 days holiday, plus public holidays and additional days awarded for long service – to help you manage your work-life balance.
• Free EV Charging and membership in our EV Club. 
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes for EV Club, Curry's Tech and Cycle to Work
• Weekly Spot Bonuses to reward excellence. 
• Income Protection and Legal Support for peace of mind. 
• Relocation Support to make your move seamless.

Diversity and Inclusion

As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal-opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.