Principal Systems Engineering
Principal Systems Engineering

Principal Systems Engineering

Farnborough Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of Systems Engineers on innovative projects and deliver engineering artefacts.
  • Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation, shaping the future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holidays, and health insurance options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team tackling complex challenges in a creative environment.
  • Qualifications: Chartered engineer or equivalent experience in systems engineering required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for mentoring and professional development in a supportive workplace.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role ID: SF18290
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 Systems Engineer at our Farnborough 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 Principal Systems Engineer you will lead a team of Systems Engineers and operate working across multiple projects delivering your own portfolio of work.
Day-to-day, you will assimilate a broad view of programmes, technical challenges and deliver systems engineering artefacts across multiple projects showing a deep interest in the effective productisation of science and technology.
Your responsibilities will include:

  • Working with discipline and professional leads to shape toolsets, artefacts, training and best practice
  • Mentoring, peer reviewing and advising on professional best practice both directly and throughout your team
  • Setting, discussing and tracking individuals goals and performance, including gathering feedback, 121s and calibration activities
  • Advancing your teams professional skills, knowledge and behaviours
  • Applying deep or broad systems engineering principles and practices to engage with the team delivering on actions
  • Advising on suitable deployments for your team, Chief Engineers, Programme Leaders, resource Managers and related stakeholders as necessary

Essential experience of the Principle Systems Engineer:

  • Robust understanding of systems engineering and its application in the development of products
  • A strong knowledge of engineering toolset for managing complex systems developments
  • Previous experience operating as a Lead / Principal Systems Engineer on complex equipment development programmes delivering artefacts and leading teams
  • The ability to build effective, high performing teams and develop others including addressing behaviours where necessary
  • A deep or broad experience applying systems engineering principles and practices in line with competency frameworks
  • Demonstrable experience applying relevant standards and meeting regulatory requirements in engineering delivery

Essential qualifications for the Principle Systems Engineer:

  • A chartered engineer or demonstrable experience

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 Farnborough site. Hybrid working patterns are available.
Farnborough
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.
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 experience 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

Our Recruitment Process:
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels value, heard, and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
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 mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.
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)

Principal Systems Engineering employer: QinetiQ

At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Farnborough facility. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration fosters a culture where diverse teams thrive, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With competitive benefits, including a matched pension scheme and generous holiday allowance, we empower our employees to realise their full potential while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in defence technology.
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Contact Detail:

QinetiQ Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest systems engineering tools and methodologies. Being well-versed in these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the defence technology sector, especially those who work at QinetiQ or similar companies. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully built high-performing teams in the past. Highlighting specific examples will show that you have the necessary experience to mentor and guide others effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Research QinetiQ’s recent projects and innovations. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews and show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering Principles
Team Leadership
Project Management
Engineering Toolset Proficiency
Mentoring and Coaching
Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Regulatory Compliance
Problem-Solving Skills
Technical Documentation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Adaptability to Change
Communication Skills
Analytical Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in systems engineering, particularly any leadership roles or complex projects you've managed. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build high-performing teams and apply engineering principles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at QinetiQ and how your background aligns with their mission. Mention your understanding of systems engineering and your experience with relevant tools and standards.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your previous roles as a Lead or Principal Systems Engineer. Highlight specific achievements and how you contributed to the success of complex equipment development programmes.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style, experience with mentoring, and how you handle team dynamics. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences and how you’ve helped others grow professionally.

✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise

Make sure to brush up on systems engineering principles and relevant engineering toolsets. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these principles, especially in complex equipment development programmes. This will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to build high-performing teams and handle challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on how you addressed behaviours and performance issues within your team.

✨Align with Company Values

Familiarise yourself with QinetiQ's mission and values, particularly their focus on innovation and teamwork. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Principal Systems Engineering
QinetiQ
Q
  • Principal Systems Engineering

    Farnborough
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-30

  • Q

    QinetiQ

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