Location: Abbey Wood (Hybrid) Rate: Up to £550/day Security Clearance: SC required (UK nationals only) IR35: Inside IR35 Start Date: ASAP End Date: 31/03/2026 (high potential for extension) Application Deadline: 28/01/2026 at 15:00 Role Overview We are seeking a Principal Engineer to support the Lethality and Protect area, providing experienced engineering leadership and technical oversight across delivery activity. The role supports operational backfill within the Lethality and Protect function, ensuring continuity of engineering governance, assurance and delivery. Key Tasks and Deliverables Provide senior engineering leadership and technical oversight across assigned Lethality and Protect activities. Support delivery teams by providing engineering assurance, advice and decision support. Manage and coordinate engineering activities across multiple stakeholders. Support planning, prioritisation and execution of engineering work in line with programme objectives. Ensure engineering outputs comply with relevant standards, regulations and governance processes. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical issues and risks. Contribute to reporting, governance and management activity within the wider engineering function. Essential Skills and Experience Significant experience operating at Principal Engineer level or equivalent. Broad engineering background with experience providing technical leadership and assurance. Experience working within MOD, DE&S or a regulated engineering environment. Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination skills. Desirable Skills and Experience Experience within lethality, weapons or protective systems environments. Experience supporting operational or programme backfill roles. Professional registration or working towards chartership. Additional Information Hybrid working is expected, with regular attendance at Abbey Wood required to access secure information and support delivery teams.