At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence trials and collaborate with top experts in cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in technical leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join us at our Bristol 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 Technical Lead - Complex Trials, you'll join our Mission Rehearsal team delivering some of the UK's most challenging and visible defence Trials activities. Day-to-day, you'll support Air systems, Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), Surface-to-Air Weapon Systems, One-Way Effectors and emerging defence technologies. We work directly with MOD, DE&S, Front Line Commands and industry partners to plan, coordinate and execute Trials that generate evidence, reduce risk and enable critical capability decisions.
We are seeking individuals who can operate as Trials Technical Leads, Trials Leads or ideally develop across both roles and lead activities from initial concept through to successful execution.
- Lead technically complex and nationally important Trials activities
- Work directly with MOD customers, DE&S, Front Line Commands and external partners
- Influence how future defence capabilities are developed and assessed
- Engage with cutting-edge technologies across Air and Land domains
- Travel to UK ranges and customer locations, including deployments of up to four weeks
- Work with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, operations and programme delivery
- See the direct impact of your work through successful Trials execution and customer outcomes
Your responsibilities will include:
As a Trials Technical Lead, you will provide the leadership and technical governance required to deliver successful Trials in accordance with the Trials Process and Systems Engineering principles:
- Define Trial objectives, requirements and success criteria
- Develop Trial strategies and execution plans
- Coordinate technical inputs from multiple disciplines
- Manage risks, assumptions, dependencies and constraints
- Produce and review Trial documentation and evidence
- Lead technical reviews and readiness activities
As a Trials Lead, you will become the focal point for live Trial delivery, working closely with customers, Range operations and technical teams to ensure successful execution:
- Deploy to ranges and customer sites
- Coordinate technical teams, range staff and customers
- Lead live Trial events and demonstrations
- Manage issues and maintain momentum during execution
- Provide leadership and decision-making in dynamic environments
- Capture outcomes and lessons learned
Essential experience of the Technical Lead - Complex Trials:
- Technical leadership and project delivery experience
- Systems Engineering knowledge and application
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Ability to influence and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
- Confidence in customer-facing environments
- A proactive, adaptable and delivery-focused mindset
Essential qualifications for the Technical Lead - Complex Trials:
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Civil)
This role is 37 hours per week based at our Bristol site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.
QinetiQ operates state-of-the-art facilities across the UK 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.
Bristol
The QinetiQ facility in Bristol is part of the company's broader operation focused on defence and technology innovation. The site houses a diverse team of engineers, scientists and technical professionals who bring expertise to various projects ensuring high-quality outcomes.
At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.
Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
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
Pensions Technical Lead in Bristol employer: QinetiQ
At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Boscombe Down facility, where innovation meets defence technology. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our inclusive culture, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that protect lives. Join us and be part of a diverse team that thrives on collaboration and creativity, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working at a site renowned for its aviation and aerospace capabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Technical Lead in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Technical Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Pensions Technical Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at QinetiQ a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to QinetiQ specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with QinetiQ, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like QinetiQ want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
