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# Principal System Engineer

- **Company:** QINETIQ LIMITED
- **Location:** Portsmouth, UK
- **Salary:** £63,900.0 - £71,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Complex Networks, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration
- **Published:** August 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=bffc61686ecbf3fa

## About the Role

Significant Systems Engineering experience within Defence or Maritime environments
Experience leading complex System of Systems integration activities
Strong understanding of maritime operations, defence programmes or combat systems
Experience engaging with senior customers and stakeholders
Knowledge of capability development, acquisition or procurement environments
Experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams

Essential qualifications for the Principal Systems Engineer:
Degree qualified in Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related discipline
Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional registration
British National eligible to obtain Security Clearance

We value difference and we don't have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Portsmouth Technology Park site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.

Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

## Description

As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will help shape the future of Royal Navy capability by helping customers understand how emerging technologies, autonomous systems and complex networks can be integrated to deliver operational advantage.

Day-to-day, you'll provide technical leadership across Hybrid Navy initiatives, supporting customers and engineering teams to develop innovative System of Systems solutions from concept through to delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:
Providing technical leadership across complex systems engineering programmes
Developing and maturing Hybrid Navy concepts and System of Systems architectures
Engaging directly with MOD, Royal Navy and international stakeholders
Leading technical bids, proposals and solution development activities
Managing technical risks and ensuring engineering excellence
Mentoring and supporting junior engineers and technical specialists


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