At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative autonomy projects and mentor engineering teams to shape the future of technology.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and make a real impact in defence.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM and significant experience in autonomy or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 62250 - 69750 £ 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 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 Role
As 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 programmes
- Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and mentoring senior engineers
- Defining technical strategy and influencing future capability development
- Engaging with customers and stakeholders to shape requirements and solutions
- Supporting the development of autonomy software, modelling and simulation capabilities
- Leading integration, demonstration and trial activities across defence programmes
Essential experience of the Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer:
- Significant technical leadership experience within autonomy, robotics, defence, aerospace or related engineering environments
- Strong understanding of autonomous systems, robotics, control systems or AI-enabled technologies
- Experience leading complex technical programmes and engineering teams
- Experience developing and delivering customer-focused technical solutions
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and engineering governance
- Experience supporting business growth, customer engagement or strategic technical development
Essential qualifications for the Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer:
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another relevant STEM discipline
- Active SC clearance is desirable
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.
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 internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com. 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.
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
Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer
✨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 Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 Autonomous Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Autonomous Systems Engineer, 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.
