Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer

Company: QinetiQ
Apply for the Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer
Location: Bristol
Job Description:

Package

Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role ID

SF19263

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 Aerospace Systems Engineer, based at either Bristol 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 Aerospace Systems Engineer, you’ll play a central part in delivering integrated systems engineering solutions that directly support our Air Domain customers. We welcome experienced engineers as well as those who feel ready to step up into a technical lead position.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll lead technical project delivery, guide engineering teams, and ensure that systems engineering principles are applied effectively throughout the full lifecycle.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Technical leadership of engineering teams
  • Ensuring consistent application of systems engineering methods and tools
  • Assuring high‑quality integrated technical outputs
  • Capturing and analysing customer requirements
  • Shaping technical solutions and supporting bid activity
  • Identifying technical risks and supporting mitigation planning

Essential experience of the Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer

  • Strong background in air platforms and the air vehicle lifecycle
  • Experience applying systems engineering approaches such as DOORS, MBSE, V&V
  • Understanding of aerospace certification, governance and regulation
  • Ability to provide sound technical judgement on integrated engineering issues
  • Experience leading or contributing to engineering work packages
  • Knowledge of both military and civil aerospace environments such as MOD customer and MOD Procurement process is highly desirable but not essential.

Essential qualifications for the Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer

  • Recognised aerospace or relevant engineering qualification (HND or above)
  • Professional registration at Incorporated or Chartered level (or working towards it)

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 Bristol or Boscombe Down. Hybrid working patterns are available. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

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

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

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.

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Posted: June 3rd, 2026