Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

Full-Time 56025 - 62250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of advanced autonomy solutions for defence.
  • Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in cutting-edge defence technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation and make a real impact on future defence capabilities.
  • Qualifications: Degree in STEM and strong C++ software development experience required.

The predicted salary is between 56025 - 62250 £ 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 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 Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing, developing and delivering advanced autonomy solutions that support next-generation defence capabilities across air and maritime domains. Day-to-day, you'll lead technical work packages, mentor engineers, contribute to software and systems development, and support the integration and demonstration of autonomous technologies from concept through to operational trials.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading technical delivery of autonomy and autonomous systems work packages
  • Developing and reviewing autonomy software using C++ and related technologies
  • Supporting modelling, simulation and algorithm development activities
  • Mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across project teams
  • Supporting integration, testing and formal trials activities
  • Collaborating with customers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative capability

Essential experience:

  • Technical leadership experience within autonomy, robotics, software or complex engineering environments
  • Strong C++ software development experience
  • Experience delivering autonomy, robotics, control systems or autonomous systems projects
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles and engineering lifecycle activities
  • Experience with modelling, simulation or algorithm development
  • Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical deliverables

Essential qualifications:

  • Degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another 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.

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.

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

Senior 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.

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Contact Details:

QinetiQ Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

Technical Leadership
C++ Software Development
Autonomy Solutions Design
Robotics Knowledge
Control Systems Experience
Systems Engineering Principles
Engineering Lifecycle Activities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior 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

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✨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.