# Senior Principal Systems Engineer at QinetiQ

QinetiQ is hiring a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in Bristol, United Kingdom. It pays £72k-£80k a year and Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on Level](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/032bdfd7-a71e-42e3-ac7d-27a4ab149acf?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 35 out of 100. Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

## Details

- Company: [QinetiQ](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/qinetiq)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 35 out of 100)
- Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom
- Salary: £72k-£80k
- Posted: October 16, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/032bdfd7-a71e-42e3-ac7d-27a4ab149acf?utm_medium=ai-agent

## Description

Package: £72,000 – £80,000 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits Role ID: SF20750 Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer at our Bristol site, 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 Senior Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll provide Technical Leadership across the system developments underpinning Trials, Test and Evaluation (T3E) capability applicable to our Mission Rehearsal IDT (Integrated Delivery Team). This includes the T3E Air Range Modernisation programme, delivery of future “digital ranges” infrastructure, live virtual-constructive capability as well as integration of un-crewed systems into range infrastructure and rehearsal capability. Day-to-day, you’ll will ensure technical programmes of work are delivered with excellence (time, quality, cost), in collaboration with senior programme/portfolio managers, the IDT Lead and that technical risks alongside safety are managed. Additionally, you will cohere strategy and the technical direction of programmes acting as the senior engineering interface with principal customers and stakeholders. This will include MOD, OGD, T3E, Heads of Site, Range Engineering Managers, Technical Function, Business, T3E Futures, and Campaigns. Your responsibilities will include: Acting as the Senior Design Authority (where delegated) and the Senior Engineering Authority Working with Programme Managers to deliver the programmes on-time, on-cost, on-quality in a safe and secure manner Ensuring a resilient engineering team, working with Technical and Resourcing stakeholders to ensure coherent succession plans are in place and avoiding single points of failure Ensuring the technical needs of the IDT are clearly articulated, and the supplied technical teams have the right level of competence and domain knowledge Engaging with stakeholders across the customer community (UK Defence, T3E Futures, T&E Campaign and beyond) as required Providing guidance, mentoring, coaching and advice to Technical Leads and other technical staff Essential experience of the Senior Principal Systems Engineer: Proven Technical Leadership across multiple projects or programmes Experience in Defence, Aerospace or related sectors/projects (we can consider Civil Engineering, Nuclear, Rail among others) Understanding the role of engineering management in the context of a complex business environment Underpinning knowledge of complex systems development and systems engineering practices Understanding the influence of safety, security and regulatory requirements Strong business and commercial awareness Essential qualifications for the Senior Principal Systems Engineer: Degree (or equivalent experience) in a STEM discipline Chartered Engineer (desirable) 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 with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected. Bristol The QinetiQ facility in Bristol is part of the company’s broader operation focused on defence and technology innovation. The site houses a diverse team of engineers, scientists and technical professionals who bring expertise to various projects ensuring high-quality outcomes. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Our Recruitment Process: At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming

The description is cut here. Read the full offer: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/senior-principal-systems-engineer-at-qinetiq-8815ca

Source: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/senior-principal-systems-engineer-at-qinetiq-8815ca

## Cite this page

Level. https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/senior-principal-systems-engineer-at-qinetiq-8815ca.

Get job alerts: https://jobsbylevel.com/newsletter