Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol
Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer

Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Van Arendonk Makelaardij

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering teams and deliver innovative aerospace systems solutions.
  • Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in aerospace technology and innovation.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, health plans, and matched pension contributions.
  • Why this job: Work with cutting-edge tech and brilliant minds in a diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: Aerospace engineering qualification and experience in systems engineering.
  • Other info: Hybrid working options and opportunities for career growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join us as a Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer, based at either Bristol or Boscombe Down, 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 Aerospace Systems Engineer, you’ll play a central part in delivering integrated systems engineering solutions that directly support our Air Domain customers. We welcome experienced engineers as well as those who feel ready to step up into a technical lead position. Day‑to‑day, you’ll lead technical project delivery, guide engineering teams, and ensure that systems engineering principles are applied effectively throughout the full lifecycle.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

  • Technical leadership of engineering teams
  • Ensuring consistent application of systems engineering methods and tools
  • Assuring high‑quality integrated technical outputs
  • Capturing and analysing customer requirements
  • Shaping technical solutions and supporting bid activity
  • Identifying technical risks and supporting mitigation planning

Essential Experience:

  • Strong background in air platforms and the air vehicle lifecycle
  • Experience applying systems engineering approaches such as DOORS, MBSE, V&V
  • Understanding of aerospace certification, governance and regulation
  • Ability to provide sound technical judgement on integrated engineering issues
  • Experience leading or contributing to engineering work packages
  • Knowledge of both military and civil aerospace environments such as MOD customer and MOD Procurement process is highly desirable but not essential

Essential Qualifications:

  • Recognised aerospace or relevant engineering qualification (HND or above)
  • Professional registration at Incorporated or Chartered level (or working towards it)

This role is 37 hours per week, based at Bristol or Boscombe Down. Hybrid working patterns are available. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

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.

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
  • Volunteering opportunities – helping charities and local community

Our 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.

Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol employer: Van Arendonk Makelaardij

QinetiQ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol or Boscombe Down where innovation thrives and diverse teams collaborate to tackle complex challenges. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme and health plans, and a culture that values inclusivity and authenticity, QinetiQ provides a rewarding career path for Principal Aerospace Systems Engineers eager to make a meaningful impact in the aerospace sector.
Van Arendonk Makelaardij

Contact Detail:

Van Arendonk Makelaardij Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on systems engineering principles and the air vehicle lifecycle. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through, so practice articulating your experience in these areas.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects in the past. QinetiQ values technical leadership, so highlight those experiences that demonstrate your ability to guide others.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the QinetiQ team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol

Technical Leadership
Systems Engineering
DOORS
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Verification and Validation (V&V)
Aerospace Certification
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Customer Requirement Analysis
Engineering Work Package Management
Knowledge of Military Aerospace Environments
Knowledge of Civil Aerospace Environments
Strong Background in Air Platforms
Integrated Technical Outputs Assurance
Bid Activity Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in air platforms and systems engineering approaches like DOORS or MBSE to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer role. Share your passion for aerospace and how your experience aligns with our mission at QinetiQ.

Showcase Your Technical Leadership: Since this role involves leading engineering teams, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've guided projects and ensured high-quality outputs in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining the QinetiQ team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Van Arendonk Makelaardij

✨Know Your Systems Engineering

Brush up on your systems engineering principles, especially those relevant to aerospace. Be ready to discuss how you've applied methods like DOORS or MBSE in past projects, as this will show your technical depth and relevance to the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led engineering teams or projects. Highlight your ability to guide others and ensure quality outputs, as this is crucial for a Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Understand the Air Domain Landscape

Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the air platforms sector. Being able to discuss military and civil aerospace environments, including MOD processes, will demonstrate your industry knowledge and readiness for the role.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to answer technical questions that assess your judgement on integrated engineering issues. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will help interviewers gauge your problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

Principal Aerospace Systems Engineer in Bristol
Van Arendonk Makelaardij
Location: Bristol

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>