Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems Engineer - Bristol

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow, we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Principal Systems Engineer at our Bristol site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll technically lead complex or high value system refreshes on our MOD test ranges and lead the development of systems required to test our rapidly changing military equipment. Day-to-day, you’ll typically work with our Mission Rehearsal teams, across a suite of technologies and capabilities, from large area surveillance to precision tracking and stop-action systems, to the integration of customer/supplier platforms. You will work across one or more projects, delivering your portfolio of technical work alongside a Project Manager.

You will technically lead the delivery of the overall solution by applying systems engineering principles and be hands-on producing your own systems artefacts. You will typically work across the full life cycle from concept to acceptance into service or may have a specialty focus area.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Leading the technical delivery of complex/high value systems programmes, or groups of projects, to time, cost, and quality, working closely with the Project/Programme Manager.
• Delivering systems engineering artefacts through the project life from requirements through to transition to service, authoring your own as well as peer-reviewing and guiding junior engineers to achieve required standards.
• Actively engaging with a broad x-business stakeholder group throughout the programme to ensure understanding of the broader context, with a high-level view of requirements, risk, and decision/change management.
• Tailoring of project lifecycles and engineering governance approaches, advising and mentoring others.
• Leading technical, assurance, and systems engineering activity across your area of expertise/programmes.
• Technically leading subcontracted activity, whether internal or external, ensuring statements of work, specifications, and acceptance approaches are achievable and that technical risk is transparent, reported, and mitigated.

Essential Experience:

• Relevant specialism in Systems Engineering, or a technical discipline, domain, or platform with a willingness to broaden expertise.
• Proven track record leading technical programmes through project life and into service.
• Understanding of engineering planning, monitoring, and control, systems engineering, concurrent engineering, and integration of engineering specialisms.
• Understanding of engineering systems including safety-critical and safety-related functions.
• Advanced knowledge of systems integration, including facilities, equipment, control systems, communication systems, software, and IT.

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree level qualification or equivalent; MSc or higher degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

We value difference and don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education. Provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn, then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week, based at our Bristol site (or we can consider any of our main UK locations) with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

QinetiQ operates state-of-the-art facilities across the UK that focus on defence, security, and technology innovation. These facilities enable QinetiQ to conduct a wide range of research, testing, and development activities that support both military and civilian applications, helping to advance technology and support national security.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

Our Recruitment Process:

At QinetiQ, we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers, and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com. One of our recruitment team will contact you.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed; applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges. As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies, constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued, and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture: www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance.
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets, and much more.
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local communities.