> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3305370-principal-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3305370-principal-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Systems Engineer

- **Company:** QINETIQ LIMITED
- **Location:** Amesbury, UK
- **Salary:** £64,000.0 - £75,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Systems Integration
- **Published:** September 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=eb53e0a2b0bd2267

## About the Role

Relevant specialism in Systems Engineering, or technical discipline, domain, platform with willingness to broaden expertise
Proven track record leading technical programmes through project life and into service
Understanding of engineering planning, monitoring and control, systems engineering, concurrent engineering, integration of engineering specialisms
Understanding of engineering systems including safety critical and safety related functions
Understanding the context of MOD Range Operations and test facilities; the systems and stakeholders
Advanced knowledge of systems integration, including facilities, equipment, control systems, communication systems, software and IT, Degree Level qualification or equivalent, MSc or higher degree preferred, or equivalent experience
CEng or equivalent

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 Bristol site (or we can consider any of our main UK locations) 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'll technically lead complex or high value system refreshes on our MOD test ranges and lead the development of systems required to test our rapidly changing military equipment.

Day-to-day, you'll typically work with our Mission Rehearsal teams, across a suite of technologies and capabilities, from large area surveillance to precision tracking and stop-action systems, to the integration of customer/supplier platforms. You will work across one or more projects, delivering your portfolio of technical work alongside a Project Manager.

You will Technically Lead delivery of the overall solution, by applying systems engineering principles and be hands-on producing your own systems artefacts. You will typically work across the full life cycle from concept to acceptance into service or may have a specialty focus area.

Your responsibilities will include:
Leading the technical delivery of complex/high value systems programmes, or groups of projects to time, cost and quality, working closely with Project/Programme Manager
Delivering systems engineering artefacts through project life from requirements through to transition to service, authoring own as well as peer-reviewing and guiding junior engineers to achieve required standards
Actively engage with broad x-business stakeholder group throughout programme, to ensure understanding of the broader context, with high level view of requirements, risk and decision/change management
Tailoring of project lifecycles and engineering governance approaches, advising and mentoring others
Leading technical, assurance, systems engineering activity across your area of expertise/programmes
Technically lead subcontracted activity, whether internal/external, ensuring statements of work, specifications and acceptance approach is achievable and that technical risk is transparent, reported and mitigated


## Related Videos

- [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process)
- [AI Agents & Agentic AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2017-ai-agents-agentic-ai)
- [Quantum DevOps - Enabling Industrial Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100282-quantum-devops-enabling-industrial-engineering)
- [Physical AI: The Era of Intelligent Machines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100141-physical-ai-the-era-of-intelligent-machines)
- [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce)
- [Quantum DevOps - Quantum Application Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1441-quantum-devops-quantum-application-development)

## Related Articles

- [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk)
- [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk)
- [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)
- [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)
- [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk)
- [UK Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/326-uk-business-culture-and-etiquette)