System Engineer, Maritime Graduate - 2026 UKD in Portsmouth

At QinetiQ we are creating a workplace that is inclusive; where our differences are not only embraced but make us stronger. A place where we can connect with each other and benefit from the experiences and thinking from people with varied backgrounds, and at different stages in their careers.

QinetiQ’s UK Defence business helps our customers to respond to ever evolving threats, based on our expertise in the Air, Land, Maritime and Weapons domains. This opportunity is seeking applicants for specifically the Maritime domain. QinetiQ's Systems Engineers are renowned for providing high quality, independent technical advice to a wide range of customers, in support of their major acquisition programmes, leading complex programmes and for developing our own range of world-leading products.

We are looking for people to join our growing team of Systems Engineers who are interested in applying and developing their technical expertise, across our domains, both military and commercial. System Engineers are responsible for bringing together a wide range of technical inputs to create, lead and deliver compelling solutions.

Successful candidates will be proactive, passionate and forward thinking people interested in a relevant technology area who are looking to help improve today & shape tomorrow by bringing novel thought and applying emerging concepts. We offer a development programme that includes further training to develop your skills, knowledge and experience in the field of systems engineering across differing domains that will enable you deliver complex technical programmes of work across our portfolio of projects. We will also support a path to Professional Registration with an Engineering Institution.

Our updated Graduate Scheme offers a structured and purposeful approach to learning and development for Systems Engineers. We provide learning pathways which are specifically tailored to developing skills and experiences relevant to your future growth and to that of the business. You will agree learning goals and activities with your Functional, and these will include a mixture of real-world project placements and directed activities to embed learning.

Opportunities to work in the Maritime Domain include:

• Maritime platforms including Training, Tactics, Test and Evaluation
• Transformation Maritime Combat System Integration
• Underwater Threat Representation and Signatures
• Application of Systems Engineering principles across the engineering lifecycle
• Engagement with customers and developing new propositions
• Trials planning and conduct

Key accountabilities of suitable candidates (the balance between these will be project-dependent):

• Working as part of a team supporting Systems Engineering projects in a variety of domains, for internal and external customers as guided and mentored by more senior Systems Engineers.
• Engaging with external stakeholder communities, gathering material and understanding their requirements.
• Supporting and undertaking the technical design as guided by more senior Systems Engineers.
• Collaborating with other members of project teams.
• Identifying potential issues such as delivery problems, lack of input information etc.
• Information management.
• Ability to lead small projects.

Essential Personal Qualities and Behavioural Requirements:

• Has analytical and logical thinking skills.
• Able to work and produce consistent results.
• Good questioning, listening, influencing and general interpersonal skills.
• Well-developed oral, written communication and presentation skills.
• Can adapt and work flexibly.

Challenges include:

• Applying the emotional intelligence necessary to work successfully with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Moving at times from high uncertainty towards a clear problem definition.
• Differentiating problem definition from solution design.
• Rapidly assimilating information and gaining a good understanding of the problems and issues associated with new tasks.
• Thriving in a varied, complex, and frequently changing work environment, often with demanding timescales.

Experience and qualification:

You will need to have obtained or be studying towards a degree (with a predicted or achieved grade of at least 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, or proven experience working in an equivalent engineering role (e.g. Aerospace/Mechanical/Electronic/Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics). A conscientious, logical and enquiring mind set is essential. A willingness to work on UK military projects is essential. A willingness to undertake a degree of business travel as well as flexibility to be deployed for a period away from your home site (as part of the development programme) is needed. Excellent report writing skills are highly desirable. Extant Professional qualifications, or aspiration to work towards one.

How to apply: Please fill in the application and include both a CV and a covering letter.

Our Benefits (the list is not exhaustive):

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms
• Coaching and Mentoring
• 25 days annual holiday excluding bank holiday
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Flexible Benefits package
• Employee discount portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee-led networks

Security: Many of our roles at QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. Many roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information, which means factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may impact your role. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

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.

QinetiQ is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, come and be part of our team!

This role will close to new applicants on the 9th July 2026.