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Salary
$84k – $93k per year
Location
In office (Amesbury)
Seniority
Principal · 5+ years exp

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 31, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 18, 2026.

Overview
Company
Impact
Profile match
QinetiQ is a British defence technology company created in 2001 from part of the government's research agency. It develops robotics, sensors, cyber capabilities and test and evaluation services for defence and security customers, and runs major test ranges and research facilities across the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Farnborough, England, United Kingdom.

Package £62,775 - £69,750 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits

Role ID: SF20239

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 Engineer at one of our QinetiQ sites (Bristol, Farnborough or Boscombe Down) 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 Engineer you’ll provide Flight Physics Rotary Wing technical input into multi-disciplinary projects in line with customer requirements.

The QinetiQ Flight Physics team are on standby to record and analyse flying qualities (stability and control), aircraft performance, air data systems outputs (pitot static system), simulator verification assessments, ship air integration and aerodynamic modelling. These tasks are for MOD Customers who operate Rotary Wing Military Types (Lynx Wildcat, Apache, Merlin, Chinook) as well as Civil Types (New Medium Helicopter, AW139, Bell 412).

Day-to-day the Flight Physics Principal Engineer will typically focus on evaluation and sometimes testing (e.g. on an airfield or on the back of a Ship) of one or more of the following: aircraft performance and flying qualities, aircraft handling, Flight Control Systems, Engine Control and Air Data Systems whilst providing essential Advice Reports to the customer often expanding the operating envelope of a Rotary Wing Type.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Analysis of Flight Physics data within the Rotary Wing Domain
  • Making sound engineering and technical judgements based on the analysis of Flight Physics data
  • Applying Flight Physics principles and concepts to a range of work in the domain
  • Evaluation and testing of aircraft performance, handling and flights
  • Evaluation and testing of Flight Control Systems, Engine Control and Air Data Systems
  • Mentoring junior team members within the department

Essential experience of the Principal Engineer:

  • Understanding of Rotary Wing Flight Physics principles and concepts
  • Demonstrable track record in delivery performance
  • Knowledge of military aerospace Rotary Wing platforms
  • Knowledge of MAA and Civil regulations
  • Ideally five to ten years post-graduation Flight Physics experience, preferably in advice, research and consultancy
  • Experience of working with the UK military, aerospace and other defence customers

Essential qualifications for the Principal Engineer:

  • A first degree in Science or Engineering, or an equivalent, nationally recognised, professional qualification, with typically further on the job experience and growth of key skills, working in the domain
  • Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer

We value difference and we 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 one of our QinetiQ sites with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. We can accommodate the Principal Engineer being based at our Bristol, Farnborough or Boscombe Down sites.

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.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 [email protected]. 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 community
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