Principal Scientist in Great Malvern

At QinetiQ, we are creating tomorrow. Our mission is to empower and protect lives through cutting-edge defence technology and ground-breaking innovations. Join us at our Malvern site as a Principal Scientist, where you will work with advanced RF sensing and Electronic Warfare technologies alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

The Role

As a Principal Scientist, you will provide technical leadership in radar and electronic warfare, helping to shape the development of next-generation sensing systems that operate in complex and contested electromagnetic environments. Day-to-day, you'll lead and deliver complex research and development projects, guide multi-disciplinary teams, work closely with defence customers, and drive innovation in RF sensing, signal processing and system performance.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical leadership across radar and electronic warfare projects
• Leading research, development and delivery of advanced RF sensing and signal processing solutions
• Working directly with customers to understand requirements and deliver high-impact outcomes
• Coaching and mentoring engineers and scientists within the team
• Driving innovation and maintaining high technical standards
• Supporting business development and future capability growth

Essential Experience

• Deep expertise in radar, electronic warfare or RF sensing systems
• Strong background in signal processing and electronic surveillance techniques
• Experience developing and analysing algorithms using MATLAB and/or Python
• Knowledge of trials, data analysis and system performance assessment
• Ability to lead complex technical projects and multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience working with defence customers or in regulated, mission-critical environments

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Science or Engineering or a nationally recognised equivalent
• Significant post-graduate industry or research experience (typically 9–12+ years)

We value difference and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds. This role is 37 hours per week based at Malvern, with hybrid working patterns available. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

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. Our success is driven by our appetite for innovation and the courage to tackle complex challenges. As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds collaborate widely and openly. Through effective teamwork, you’ll discover new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.

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
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

Recruitment Process

We aim to make our recruitment process as inclusive as possible. 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. All applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.