The Role
As a Principal Warfare Capability Engineer, you’ll shape the future of autonomous and uncrewed systems for the Royal Navy. Your expertise will ensure systems are operationally effective, safe, and mission-ready, directly influencing how naval operations are executed.
Day-to-day, you’ll work with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate operational knowledge into engineering solutions, define technical requirements, guide development and trials, and provide authoritative advice on regulatory, safety, and integration challenges. You’ll also help shape the roadmap for future autonomous warfare capabilities.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Lead the integration of operational expertise into autonomous system design
2. Support IDT Programme leads in delivering rapid-deployment naval capabilities
3. Translate operational needs into technical requirements for complex projects
4. Develop and oversee trials and experimentation to validate system performance
5. Provide guidance on regulatory, safety, and integration challenges
6. Mentor and inspire the engineering team
Essential experience of the Principal Warfare Capability Engineer:
7. Domain SME experience in Underwater warfare
8. Knowledge of Autonomy C2 and human-machine interaction
9. Awareness of Royal Navy Maritime Autonomous Systems strategy
10. Experience developing trials and experimentation plans
Essential qualifications for the Principal Warfare Capability Engineer:
11. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, scientific or technical discipline
12. Demonstrable experience in defence systems engineering or warfare capability delivery
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 full-time per week based at Portsdown Technology Park (PTP), Portsmouth. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.
PTP
Portsmouth Technology Park (PTP) is one of QinetiQ’s key facilities, focusing on advanced technology development and engineering services. It is dedicated to research and development, ensuring that complex systems are designed, integrated, and tested effectively to meet operational requirements. The facility utilises sophisticated modelling and simulation techniques to analyse and predict performance.
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. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Our Benefits
13. Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
14. Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
15. Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
16. Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
17. 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
18. 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.
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