Systems Design & Systems of Systems Engineering

AltaEdge delivers advanced systems design and systems of systems (SoS) engineering services to meet the evolving challenges faced by the UK Government and Ministry of Defence. As defence capability becomes more interconnected, digitised, and complex, our services ensure coherence across platforms, domains, and stakeholders. We help clients define, design, and manage systems that perform reliably in operational environments, whether in the air, at sea, or on land.

Defence and government systems rarely operate in isolation. Success depends on interoperability, resilience, and assured performance across a network of interdependent systems. AltaEdge applies a structured, holistic engineering approach to design systems that meet functional, safety, and operational requirements across their lifecycle.

We support concept development, requirements engineering, architecture definition, integration planning, and assurance. Our team is skilled at navigating diverse stakeholder needs, managing interfaces, and aligning systems with MOD acquisition and support frameworks.

Whether working on single-system design or integrating systems into a wider force capability, our engineers bring the rigour and foresight needed to reduce risk and maximise value.

We provide full-lifecycle systems design support, helping MOD clients shape and deliver capability with confidence. Our services include:

• Requirements capture, traceability, and validation (MODAF, DOORS)
• Architecture definition using tools such as SysML, MoDAF, and ArchiMate
• Interface design and integration strategies
• Design assurance, verification, and validation planning
• Trade-off analysis and design optimisation
• Support for airworthiness, seaworthiness, and operational assurance

Our engineers combine practical domain knowledge with technical discipline, enabling design decisions that hold up under scrutiny and deliver in the real world.

Modern defence operations rely on the integration of platforms, sensors, weapons, communications, logistics, and data systems into a unified capability. AltaEdge supports SoS engineering across these domains, focusing on interoperability, agility, and mission readiness.

We assist clients in designing, assessing, and managing systems of systems by:

• Mapping and analysing system interdependencies
• Evaluating performance across multiple operational scenarios
• Managing emergent behaviours and unintended consequences
• Ensuring compliance with defence interoperability and NATO standards
• Supporting test and evaluation across system boundaries

Our SoS approach is grounded in MOD policy, including JSP 602 and the DE&S Systems Engineering Strategy, ensuring our solutions are aligned with government objectives and delivery practices.

AltaEdge understands the importance of alignment with MOD acquisition and engineering processes. We support projects through Concept, Assessment, Demonstration, Manufacture, In-Service, and Disposal phases, ensuring system design is integrated with broader programme milestones, Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs), and strategic objectives.

We also work closely with DE&S and delivery teams to support approvals, evidence packs, and integration into Defence Support Chains and operational theatres.

Our experience spans Maritime, Land, and Air domains, supporting shipbuilding programmes, ground-based systems, aviation platforms, and cross-domain integration projects. We understand the unique requirements of each environment, from naval architecture to ground mobility, airborne safety, and secure communication.

This breadth allows AltaEdge to deliver systems thinking that connects across platforms and domains, enabling capability coherence and operational effectiveness.

As digitalisation, autonomy, and artificial intelligence reshape defence capability, AltaEdge is helping clients adapt. We bring engineering approaches that can manage complexity, anticipate change, and evolve with emerging technologies.

Our partnerships with cyber, safety, and programme management specialists allow us to address the full spectrum of risks and requirements in today’s rapidly changing defence environment.