Principal Research Engineer - Defence

NCC is seeking an experienced Principal Research Engineer to provide senior technical leadership within its Defence portfolio. The role spans delivery of complex, cutting‑edge research and development, addressing a diverse range of highly technical challenges with accountability for technical outcomes across the full engineering lifecycle. Operating as a senior technical authority and trusted advisor, you will shape engineering strategy, provide technical assurance, and support programmes spanning all defence domains, including air, land, maritime, space and digital. The role demands strong professional judgement, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to integrate multidisciplinary engineering activity within highly regulated, safety and security critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership across complex, multi-disciplinary defence engineering programmes, taking accountability for technical direction, coherence, and quality of outputs.
• Operate as a technical authority across the full engineering lifecycle, including early concept development, trade studies, requirements flow-down, detailed design, verification, validation, and certification activities.
• Contribute to defence-related innovation, ensuring alignment with UK strategic priorities and secure technology development.
• Collaborate with industry partners, government stakeholders, and academia to accelerate technology readiness and industrial adoption.
• Review, challenge, and assure engineering data packs, design substantiation, test evidence, and technical documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical excellence and collaborative growth.
• Represent NCC credibly as a Principal Research Engineer within defence and aerospace forums, forming part of the organisation's technical leadership community.
• Uphold stringent security, export control, and information assurance requirements across all activities.

Required Qualifications

• Degree (or Higher qualification) in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering complex engineering work within defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industrial sectors.
• UK National with eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).
• Strong understanding and practical application of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, trade studies, interface definition, and design assurance.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, their design, processing, and performance characteristics.
• Proven capability in engaging and influencing senior technical and non-technical stakeholders, including customers and programme leadership.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership skills.

Desirable but Non-essential Attributes

• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Background in defence programmes.
• Experience in thermal protection systems and high temperature materials.
• Understanding of 3D textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, or embroidery for composite applications.
• Experience working across industry and with government bodies.
• Knowledge of digital design tools, simulation software, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Awareness of emerging defence technologies, digital engineering, or advanced manufacturing approaches.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence.

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working as standard.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Company paid private medical insurance.
• Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution.
• Honorary staff status at the University of Bristol.