At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge defence engineering projects and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: NCC, a leader in defence technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in defence or aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Security Clearance: Eligibility for UK Security Clearance required
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
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.
Key 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.
So, what are we looking for?
- 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.
What do we offer in return?
Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R.
Principal Research Engineer - Defence employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
NCC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration in the Defence sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, we provide hybrid working options, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and substantial pension contributions, and opportunities to engage with leading industry partners and academia. Join us to shape the future of defence technology while advancing your career in a supportive and inclusive culture.
Contact Detail:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research Engineer - Defence
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise and experience in complex engineering projects. We want to see how you can contribute to their team, so share specific examples of your past work that align with the role of Principal Research Engineer.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Brush up on your systems engineering principles and be ready to discuss them in detail. We recommend practising common technical interview questions related to defence engineering, as well as being prepared to solve problems on the spot. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just knowledgeable, but also quick on your feet!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, go ahead and submit your application – we can’t wait to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Engineer - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Research Engineer role. Highlight your experience in defence engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of systems engineering principles!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise, especially in areas like composite materials and systems engineering. We’re looking for someone who can provide senior technical leadership, so let us know how you’ve done that in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your systems engineering principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. This role demands a strong understanding of requirements management and design assurance, so be prepared to give specific examples.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Research Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Think of instances where you've taken charge of a project or mentored junior engineers, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current UK defence priorities and emerging technologies. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas will show that you're not just technically proficient but also strategically aware.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical topics, especially around composite materials and their applications. Be ready to discuss your experience with design, processing, and performance characteristics, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.
