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- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge defence technology and shape Belgium's future security.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in complex systems architecture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow, we’re creating it. From cutting‑edge defence technology to ground‑breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives.
Join us as a Principal Technical Lead, based at one of our UK sites with regular travel to Brussels, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the development and implementation of Belgium MOD’s new Joint Electronic Warfare Centre (JEWC) under Programme Esmeralda.
The Role
As a Principal Technical Lead, you will provide strategic technical leadership and governance across the design, development and implementation of the JEWC, helping to shape mission‑critical capabilities that will strengthen Belgium’s defence posture for years to come.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll lead the architectural vision, guide multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with UK & Belgium MOD stakeholders, and ensure that the JEWC is delivered with coherence, rigour and a clear enterprise blueprint.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the definition and development of the JEWC enterprise vision and architecture
- Guiding work package creation, planning and delivery to align with JEWC goals
- Developing operational, business, logical and technology architectural views
- Providing direction and oversight across Belgium MOD, UK MOD and industry partners
- Mentoring technical teams and ensuring alignment of programme objectives
- Producing technical documentation that supports future architectural implementation
Essential experience of the Principal Technical Lead:
- Experience architecting complex solutions within large, multi‑stakeholder environments
- Strong systems engineering background, including requirements capture, verification and validation, and experience supporting the full lifecycle from discovery through to design and implementation.
- Ability to shape and lead technical work packages within a complex programme landscape
- Proven experience influencing senior customers and diverse stakeholder groups
- Knowledge of Electromagnetic Warfare, Intelligence or Mission Data (highly beneficial)
Essential qualifications for the Principal Technical Lead:
- Degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computing, or related technical discipline
- Relevant architecture or systems engineering training (e.g., TOGAF, NAF)
- Equivalent professional experience will be considered
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, we would like to hear from you.
This is a full‑time position that requires a strong on‑site presence at your nearest UK location. We also encourage applications from candidates who are willing to relocate to Brussels or travel there regularly as part of the role.
QinetiQ operates state‑of‑the‑art facilities that focus on defence, security and technology innovation. These facilities enable QinetiQ to conduct a wide range of research, testing and development activities that support both military and civilian applications helping to advance technology and support national security.
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 experiences 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.
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.
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 valued, 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.
Principal Technical Lead in Lincoln employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
Contact Detail:
QINETIQ LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Technical Lead in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for defence technology and how you can contribute to the JEWC.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical storytelling! Be ready to explain your past experiences in a way that highlights your leadership and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex challenges before.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technical Lead in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience in architecting complex solutions and leading multidisciplinary teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your systems engineering background and any relevant qualifications like TOGAF or NAF. We want to see how your skills align with the requirements of the role, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at QinetiQ!
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Technical Lead, you'll need to showcase your expertise in systems engineering and architecture. Brush up on your knowledge of complex solutions and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead technical work packages.
✨Understand the Stakeholders
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders involved in the Joint Electronic Warfare Centre project. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with both UK and Belgium MOD representatives, and highlight any previous experience influencing senior customers or diverse groups.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully guided multidisciplinary teams or mentored others. Be ready to share these stories and explain how your leadership style aligns with QinetiQ's collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, especially in relation to Electromagnetic Warfare or similar fields, as this knowledge will be highly beneficial.