Principal Engineer - Systems Engineering

Shape the Future of Unmanned Aviation at GKN Fokker Aerospace!

After decades as a leading Tier-1 supplier to top civil and defense OEMs, GKN Fokker Aerospace is entering a bold new chapter. We’re returning to our roots as a system integrator—this time in the cutting-edge world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). At our site in Hoogeveen, we’re building a completely new unmanned aircraft. Ready to take off?

Your Role in the UAV Project: You will join a multidisciplinary team of 10–15 engineers who are pioneering the development of a reliable, high-performance UAV system. From concept to production, everything happens right here in Hoogeveen. With the support of experienced component builders, we deliver a final product that meets the highest standards. From day one, you’ll be involved and empowered to share your vision and expertise. This project has an international scope. You’ll work closely with colleagues and partners across GKN’s global network and travel regularly (approx. 15%) to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge.

To support this groundbreaking initiative, our Defense Engineering & Technology department in Hoogeveen is looking for a Principal Engineer - Design Architecture & Simulation. As part of a dedicated project team, you’ll help shape the future of advanced defense systems with your experience of system architecture, modelling, and simulation. The Principal Engineer plays a pivotal role in the development of multi-domain vehicle architectures and advanced behaviour and performance models for next-generation autonomous and unmanned defence systems.

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You will be part of a dedicated, multidisciplinary project team within GKN to develop, integrate, implement, and verify technical solutions and compliance documentation; compliant with all relevant customer, regulatory, and airworthiness requirements, within agreed programme, schedule, and manufacturing constraints.

We are looking for a capable, flexible engineer with a passion for technology. Someone eager to contribute to the future of defense innovation and thrive in a dynamic, international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead System Architecture & Concept Development

• Develop and maintain system and vehicle architectures for autonomous and unmanned systems.
• Perform trade studies and design optimization activities during conceptual and preliminary design phases.
• Support the definition of system requirements, interfaces, and performance targets.
• Evaluate alternative design solutions and provide recommendations based on technical and operational performance.

Drive Modelling & Simulation Excellence

• Develop, manage, and maintain behaviour, performance, and mission-level models.
• Perform analyses related to aerodynamics, flight mechanics, vehicle performance, and system interactions.
• Establish modelling and simulation strategies to support product development and verification activities.
• Ensure modelling approaches are robust, traceable, and aligned with engineering best practices.

Apply Systems Engineering Principles

• Support requirements management, system decomposition, and integration activities.
• Apply systems engineering methodologies throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure consistency between requirements, architecture, simulations, and design solutions.
• Contribute to verification, validation, and technical assurance activities.

Collaborate Across Engineering Disciplines

• Work closely with specialists from aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, software, electronics, guidance and control, and mission systems disciplines.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and international partners.
• Support technical reviews and decision-making processes.
• Facilitate effective communication of complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

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Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development of advanced engineering methods, tools, and modelling capabilities.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in simulation processes and digital engineering practices.
• Support technology maturation activities and future product development initiatives.
• Promote knowledge sharing and engineering excellence across the organization.

To be succesful you will bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in design architecture, modelling, and simulation within aerospace, defence, or other advanced technology sectors.
• Strong understanding of Systems Engineering principles and methodologies.
• Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as:
  • • MATLAB / Simulink
    • ANSYS
    • Star-CCM+
    • Comsol
    • Simscape
    • Amesim
• Experience developing custom engineering models using MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.

Ideally but not essential

• Experience with UAVs, autonomous systems, missile systems, or other complex defence/aerospace platforms.
• Knowledge of system integration including sensors, guidance, navigation, propulsion, datalinks, and mission systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace/defence standards, engineering assurance (V&V), and technologies such as Low Observable/RCS analysis

Soft skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound technical judgement.
• Able to work effectively in ambiguous, evolving, and uncertain environments.
• Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Collaborative systems thinker with strong technical curiosity and an open mindset.
• Proactive self-starter passionate about engineering excellence, innovation, and advanced technologies.

What we offer

We are committed to offer you a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. We want to offer you a career that can go to many directions thanks to our breadth of international opportunities. By being part of GKN Aerospace that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry, you will know that you will be working towards being the most trusted partner in the aerospace industry.

We will support and promote your professional and personal development. Furthermore, we will offer you:

• A gross monthly salary based on the Metalektro collective labor agreement (CAO), within Grade M (medior), ranging from €6.342 to €7.500 gross a month, depending on knowledge and experience. If senior-level experience is applicable, N scale applies, with a maximum of € 8.400
• 8% holiday allowance,
• 42 paid holidays for full-time employment in line with the Collective Labor Agreement Metalektro (29 holidays and 13 ADV days),
• An excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance,
• A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers.

Interested?

We are looking forward to your resume via the application button