Principal Systems Engineer – Defence Systems Leader

QinetiQ; Amesbury; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Health plan (Medical)

Employee discount portal

Armed Forces Covenant support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

QinetiQ is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer for its UK operations. The role focuses on leading complex system refreshes on MOD test ranges and developing testing systems for evolving military equipment, working with Mission Rehearsal teams across diverse capabilities.

You will technically lead delivery, create artefacts, and guide projects from concept to service, with opportunities to span multiple locations and programmes.

Qualifications

• Extensive systems engineering expertise with a proven track record leading complex programmes.
• Experience delivering systems engineering artefacts through requirements to transition to service.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and tailor engineering governance approaches.
• SC clearance eligibility or ability to obtain clearance

Responsibilities

• Leading the technical delivery of complex/high value systems programmes to time, cost and quality with PM support.
• Delivering systems artefacts from requirements through to transition to service, including peer reviews.
• Engaging with broad stakeholders to ensure context, requirements and risk are understood.
• Tailoring project lifecycles and engineering governance, mentoring others.
• Leading technical and assurance activities across areas of expertise and programmes.
• Overseeing subcontracted activity, ensuring SOIs and acceptance criteria are achievable and risks mitigated

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

MSc or higher degree preferred

Job description

QinetiQ is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer for its UK operations. The role focuses on leading complex system refreshes on MOD test ranges and developing testing systems for evolving military equipment, working with Mission Rehearsal teams across diverse capabilities.

You will technically lead delivery, create artefacts, and guide projects from concept to service, with opportunities to span multiple locations and programmes.