Pushing Boundaries: A World leader in propulsion engineering from concept to production                                                                

Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.
Headquartered in Shoreham by Sea (UK), Ricardo brings together more than 1,000 experts and delivers in excess of 200 major programmes globally at any given time. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com 

The Role

Do you thrive in complex, high-power engineering environments where your expertise directly impacts mission-critical energy systems? We are seeking a Systems Engineering Lead to play a key role in the development of advanced 10 MW-class engine-driven generator systems (gensets) for demanding industrial and defence applications.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on large-scale power generation systems, integrating mechanical, electrical, and control systems into robust, high-availability solutions.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Engineering Lead to join our dynamic team. You will lead a small team (2–4 engineers) and take ownership of the system-level design, integration, and delivery of large engine-driven genset platforms (~10 MW).

You will coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines, including:

• Engine systems (diesel/gas engines and auxiliaries)
• Electrical power generation and distribution
• Control systems and software
• Mechanical design and packaging
• Functional safety and reliability
• Test and validation

Working within a multi-disciplinary environment, you will be responsible for ensuring that system requirements are defined, allocated, and delivered to a high standard while meeting performance, reliability, and regulatory targets typical of continuous and standby power applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture definition for 10 MW-class engine and genset systems, including engine, alternator, balance of plant, and control systems.
• Ensure robust integration of subsystems including fuel systems, cooling, lubrication, air handling, exhaust/aftertreatment, and electrical interfaces.
• Drive requirements capture, decomposition, and traceability across the full system lifecycle.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on performance targets such as:
• Efficiency and emissions
• Transient response and load acceptance
• Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM)
• Oversee functional safety and high-availability design, including redundancy strategies for critical systems.
• Lead system-level verification and validation activities, including test planning, procedure development, and issue resolution.
• Ensure all system deliverables are completed on time, peer-reviewed, and meet quality standards.
• Support procurement activities including supplier engagement, RFIs/RFQs, and technical evaluation of key components (e.g., engines, alternators, control hardware).
• Manage and maintain system BOM structures, configuration control, and interface documentation.
• Mentor and develop junior systems engineers within the team.

Person Specification

You are an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong background in large-scale mechanical-electrical systems, such as power generation, heavy-duty engines, marine, oil & gas, or industrial equipment. You are looking to lead complex, high-value projects and contribute to cutting-edge energy solutions.

You bring a pragmatic systems-thinking approach, ensuring successful integration of complex subsystems from concept through to commissioning.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Substantial experience in relevant industries (power generation, heavy engines, marine, aerospace, defence, or similar).

Technical Expertise

• Proven experience in system architecture and integration of large engine or power generation systems (ideally MW-scale gensets).
• Strong understanding of:
• Internal combustion engines (diesel/gas) and auxiliaries
• Alternators and electrical power systems
• Thermal management (cooling systems, heat exchangers)
• Fuel and air handling systems
• Knowledge of high-integrity and high-availability systems, including redundancy and fail-safe design.
• Experience with systems engineering processes, including:
• Requirements management and traceability
• Functional decomposition and allocation
• Interface definition and control
• Familiarity with CAN-based communication networks and industrial control systems.
• Experience in FMEA / DFMEA / system-level hazard analysis.
• Ability to define test strategies, test setups, and validation plans for large integrated systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including structured fault-finding in complex systems.

Tools & Processes

• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS NG, Polarion).
• Proficiency in BOM and configuration management.
• Experience working with supply chains, including technical supplier management.

Professional Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce high-quality technical documentation and presentations.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management capability.
• Self-motivated, delivery-focused, and comfortable working within tight project timelines.

Desirable

• Experience in large genset systems (≥1 MW, ideally up to 10 MW).
• Knowledge of emissions regulations (e.g., EU Stage V, EPA Tier standards).
• Experience with grid integration and load management systems.
• Previous security clearance (e.g., BPSS) is advantageous.

Working here

You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place.

We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach as explained here. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are a recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.

Next steps

Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.

Ricardo is a Disability confident employer please advise the recruitment team via recruit@ricardo.com if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.