At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions and mentor talented engineers.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future with cutting-edge technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science or Engineering and experience in multi-disciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are 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 at any of our UK Main sites, 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 Principal Technical Lead, you will be responsible for engineering management and oversight of a consistent and coherent system design for our Share Computing Environment at one of our sites in Scotland. Day‑to‑day, you’ll enable the delivery of our obligations within the Maritime Test Evaluation and Training Integrated Delivery Team, being responsible for the oversight of various programme streams to ensure efficient delivery.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing work across a multi‑disciplinary technical team, coaching and mentoring engineers across the IDT to improve their engineering outputs
- Engaging with relevant internal and external customers and stakeholders to interpret and shape their requirements to allow for the research, design, and development of solutions
- Working with programme managers and business development leads to support the development of winning proposals and to deliver coherent engineering solutions that are supportable through life
- Leading engineering teams to deliver complex solutions and providing technical leadership for programme delivery
- Providing technical assurance through an excellent understanding of appropriate technical standards
- Be responsible for the development of: Design Certifications, Technical Delivery Plans, High Level Documentation, Details Design Documentation, Testing schedules, Experimental plans, Technical Roadmaps and Technical reports and presentations (potentially through delegation)
Essential experience of the Principal Technical Lead:
- Demonstrable experience of establishing high performing multi‑disciplinary teams
- Extensive experience dealing with stakeholders and overseeing the integration of new hardware and software into existing systems
- A good understanding of the complete end to end system architecture for communications systems
- A strong grasp of the systems engineering lifecycle
- Previous experience architecting and supporting the delivery of on‑premise virtualisation solutions
- Extensive experience working on a delivery focused role within IT infrastructure with a broad and comprehensive understanding of concepts and principles
Essential qualifications for the Principal Technical Lead:
- A first degree in Science or Engineering, or an equivalent, nationally recognised professional qualification combined with further on‑the‑job experience.
We value difference and do not have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. This role is 37 hours per week based at any of our UK main sites with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.
Multi‑Site 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.
Please note that all applicants for this role must be willing to go through DV Clearance.
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
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Technical Lead in Farnborough
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Technical Lead role you’re after at QinetiQ.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at QinetiQ a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at QinetiQ.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Technical Lead at QinetiQ, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technical Lead in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal 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.
