At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Project Callisto by providing engineering expertise in propulsion and systems integration.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the UK Defence Innovation Rapid Innovation Team.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to guide and support future engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative defence projects while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or propulsion systems and relevant professional registration required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Abbey Wood, Bristol (minimum one day per week), with attendance at UK supplier sites, demonstrations, technical reviews and trials-related activity.
Contract: 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Rate: Up to £550/day.
IR35 Status: Inside IR35.
Clearance: Current SC clearance required.
Nationality: UK nationals only.
Application Deadline: 19 August 2026 at 11:30am.
We are seeking a Systems Engineer to provide dedicated engineering support to Project Callisto within the UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) Rapid Innovation Team (RIT). The role has a particular emphasis on propulsion solutions, sub-system integration and uncrewed aerial system application, supporting the translation of operational need into robust technical requirements, supplier assessment and assurance, and trials planning and delivery.
The UKDI RIT is an agile, fast-paced, multi-SQEP team delivering innovation projects. The main role is to provide propulsion expertise and systems engineering support across Project Callisto, a UKDI-led initiative to develop low-cost, disposable propulsion solutions for operational capability.
Key Tasks and Deliverables
- Develop and refine technical requirements for Project Callisto procurement activity. Associated deliverables: Technical requirement inputs, evaluation criteria, qualification envelope inputs and technical clarification responses.
- Support early market engagement and supplier down-selection. Associated deliverables: White paper technical sift outputs, supplier engagement notes and industry day technical input.
- Conduct technical assessment of supplier proposals, particularly propulsion maturity, integration risk and suitability for intended UAS application. Associated deliverables: Technical assessment notes, evaluation evidence and risk/opportunity inputs.
- Support supplier assurance visits, demonstrations and technical reviews. Associated deliverables: Visit reports, assurance findings, technical action logs and supplier evidence reviews.
- Support the development and execution of trials, test and evaluation activity with QinetiQ and other stakeholders. Associated deliverables: Trials planning inputs, test objectives, technical success criteria and evidence capture approach.
- Provide technical advice to UKDI RIT and enable skills transfer into the Authority team. Associated deliverables: Knowledge transfer sessions, technical handover notes, decision logs and lessons identified.
Essential Experience / Skills
- Demonstrable experience providing technical advice and supporting delivery of engineering outcomes in aerospace, propulsion or related systems engineering environments.
- This should include practical understanding of propulsion systems, sub-system integration and the engineering considerations associated with low-cost or disposable air systems.
- Demonstrate experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes, ideally in propulsion solutions, aerospace solutions or related systems engineering environments.
- As a minimum be professionally registered as either: Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Registered Scientist (RSci), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP), Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng), Registered Marine Scientist (RMarSci), Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech), Advanced Data Science Professional, Incorporated Radiation Protection Professional (IRadP), or Advanced Registered IT Technician (Adv RITTech).
- Propulsion solutions technical experience is essential.
- Strong problem-solving skills with an agile, fast-paced mindset.
Desired Experience / Skills
- Experience with uncrewed aerial systems or expendable/disposable air systems.
- Experience assessing propulsion maturity, integration constraints, manufacturing readiness or test evidence.
- Familiarity with trials, test and evaluation planning, including definition of test objectives and success criteria.
- Experience working with suppliers during early-stage development, demonstration or prototype activity.
- Understanding of MOD, DE&S or defence innovation delivery environments.
Additional Information
Skills transfer is required into the UKDI RIT Authority team through knowledge-transfer sessions, technical handover notes, decision/lesson logs, and participation in technical reviews and trials planning, focused on propulsion, integration risk, requirements and evaluation activity.
UKDI hosts various graduates and apprentices. The successful candidate is not required to become a formal mentor but should be willing to guide and support as opportunities arise.
Systems Engineer - Project Callisto in Stoke Gifford employer: Quast
As a leading defence organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and compliance. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with three days at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol and one day at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, ensuring a balanced approach to work-life integration. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees, offering opportunities for training and development within a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer - Project Callisto in Stoke Gifford
✨Tap into Aerospace Communities
Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like Quast.
✨Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring
Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like Quast.
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at Quast and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer - Project Callisto in Stoke Gifford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on Quast.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with Quast. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with Quast.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quast
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at Quast.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
