Package: 62,250
Check out the role overview below If you are confident you have got the right skills and experience, apply today.
- 69,750 (salary dependent on experience) + BenefitsRole ID: SF20873Are 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 Autonomous Systems Engineer at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.The RoleAs a Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership across autonomy programmes, influence strategic direction, mentor engineering teams and work directly with customers to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities.Day-to-day, you'll lead multidisciplinary teams, shape future autonomy solutions, support business growth activities and guide the successful delivery of complex programmes across air or maritime autonomy domains.
We expect your time to be split approximately 70% on leadership and 30% on technical delivery work.Your responsibilities will include:Providing technical leadership across autonomy and autonomous systems programmesLeading multidisciplinary engineering teams and mentoring senior engineersDefining technical strategy and influencing future capability developmentEngaging with customers and stakeholders to shape requirements and solutionsSupporting the development of autonomy software, modelling and simulation capabilitiesLeading integration, demonstration and trial activities across defence programmesEssential experience of the Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer: Significant technical leadership experience within autonomy, robotics, defence, aerospace or related engineering environmentsStrong understanding of autonomous systems, robotics, control systems or AI-enabled technologiesExperience leading complex technical programmes and engineering teamsExperience developing and delivering customer-focused technical solutionsStrong understanding of systems engineering principles and engineering governanceExperience supporting business growth, customer engagement or strategic technical developmentEssential qualifications for the Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer :Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another relevant STEM disciplineActive SC clearance is desirableWe 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 then we would like to hear from you.This role is 37 hours per week based at our Farnborough site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.
At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state-of-the-art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation.
Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams and many more to provide future defences in the UK.Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants
- GOV.UK ( )Our Recruitment Process: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
One of our recruitment team will contact you.Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment.
A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.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. xsabvtc
Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Our BenefitsMatched contribution pension scheme, with life assuranceGenerous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional daysOptions to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental InsuranceEmployee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much moreWe 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 SchemeVolunteering Opportunities
- helping charities and local community#LI-JP1#UKI
Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer in Orpington 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.
