Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 5, 2026. QinetiQ scores A on the Alion truth index.
Package: £56,025 - £62,250 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: SF20874
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 Senior Autonomous Systems Engineerat our Farnboroughsite, 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 Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing, developing and delivering advanced autonomy solutions that support next-generation defence capabilities across air and maritime domains.
Day-to-day, you'll lead technical work packages, mentor engineers, contribute to software and systems development, and support the integration and demonstration of autonomous technologies from concept through to operational trials
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading technical delivery of autonomy and autonomous systems work packages
- Developing and reviewing autonomy software using C++ and related technologies
- Supporting modelling, simulation and algorithm development activities
- Mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across project teams
- Supporting integration, testing and formal trials activities
- Collaborating with customers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative capability
Essential experience of the Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer:
- Technical leadership experience within autonomy, robotics, software or complex engineering environments
- Strong C++ software development experience
- Experience delivering autonomy, robotics, control systems or autonomous systems projects
- Knowledge of systems engineering principles and engineering lifecycle activities
- Experience with modelling, simulation or algorithm development
- Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical deliverables
Essential qualifications for the Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer:
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another STEM discipline
- Active SC clearance is desirable
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 ourFarnborough site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams and many more to provide future defences in the UK.
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