Senior Principal System Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 17, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 2, 2026.
Package: £72,000 - £80,000 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: 20388
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 Principal Systems Engineer at our Portsmouth Technology Park (PTP) 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 Senior Principal Systems Engineer, you will help shape the future operating model of the Royal Navy by acting as a trusted technical advisor, influencing future capability development and leading the delivery of strategic Hybrid Navy solutions.
This is a rare opportunity to influence future Royal Navy capability planning, helping shape the operational and technical concepts that will underpin naval operations.
Day-to-day, you'll work directly with senior MOD and Royal Navy stakeholders, providing leadership across complex System of Systems programmes and helping define how future naval capabilities will integrate platforms, networks, autonomy, data and operational concepts.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading System of Systems engineering activities across Hybrid Navy programmes
- Providing strategic technical leadership to MOD and Royal Navy customers
- Shaping future capability concepts and long-term defence solutions
- Leading major technical bids, business development and customer engagement activities
- Managing technical risk and assurance across complex programmes
- Developing and mentoring high-performing systems engineering teams
Essential experience of the Senior Principal Systems Engineer:
- Extensive Systems Engineering experience within Defence, Maritime or National Security environments
- Proven leadership of large-scale System of Systems or enterprise integration programmes
- Strong understanding of defence capability development and acquisition processes
- Experience working with senior military, MOD or government stakeholders
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and technical delivery
- Demonstrable ability to shape strategy, influence customers and develop future capability
Essential qualifications for the Senior Principal Systems Engineer:
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional registration
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 our Portsmouth Technology Park site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.
Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.
PTP
Portsmouth Technology Park (PTP) is one of QinetiQ’s key facilities, focusing on advanced technology development and engineering services. It is dedicated to research and development, ensuring that complex systems are designed, integrated, and tested effectively to meet operational requirements. The facility utilises sophisticated modelling and simulation techniques to analyse and predict performance.
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
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