Junior Systems Engineer

Van Arendonk Makelaardij; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Kyle of Lochalsh is looking for a Junior Systems Engineer to support the UK Armed Forces. In this role, you will engage in meaningful projects, support systems engineering tasks, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams. A degree in Engineering, Physics, or similar is essential, alongside a proactive approach to learning. The role offers a supportive environment for career growth.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Health Cash Plan and Private Medical Insurance

Employee discount portal

Qualifications

• Experience in a relevant or aligned engineering, technical, IT, or systems environment.
• Some exposure to Test & Evaluation, Integration, or similar hands-on technical activity.
• A proactive, trustworthy and reliable approach with a clear drive to learn.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and executing core systems engineering tasks.
• Installing and maintaining the Test and Development System.
• Working with Shared Computing Environments in system integration.
• Helping resolve on-site issues linked to trials planning.

Skills

Experience in a relevant engineering or IT environment

Exposure to Test & Evaluation

Proactive approach to learning

Education

Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar

Job description

Join to apply for the Junior Systems Engineer role at Van Arendonk Makelaardij

The Role

As a Junior Systems Engineer, you will have an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference to the UKs Armed Forces, and will give you the chance to grow your skills and knowledge in an area of Systems Engineering that deals with some of the latest technologies being utilized by the Royal Navy. You will play an active part in the technical delivery that supports Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation (T3E) activity at our BUTEC site. You’re involved in real project work from the outset, drawing on the experience of the wider technical community while steadily building your own confidence and capability. This role allows you to develop deeper subject matter expertise, move towards system or platform specialisms, or build your technical leadership skills as you progress. You’ll work closely with project managers and multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to meaningful engineering outcomes while learning from those around you. It’s a role where you’re supported, trusted and encouraged to stretch yourself, with a clear pathway to grow your career in systems engineering.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Supporting and executing core systems engineering tasks across a range of meaningful projects
• Installing, operating and helping to maintain the Test and Development System
• Working with Shared Computing Environments as part of system integration activity
• Helping resolve on-site issues linked to trials planning and stakeholder communication

Essential Experience Of The Senior Systems Engineer

• Experience in a relevant or aligned engineering, technical, IT, or systems environment
• Some exposure to Test & Evaluation, Integration, or similar hands‑on technical activity
• A proactive, trustworthy and reliable approach, with a clear drive to learn, develop and progress

Essential Qualifications For The Senior Systems Engineer

• Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar. HNC/D Level qualification is acceptable if accompanied with appropriate experience
• Equivalent practical experience, an apprenticeship background, or demonstrable hands‑on capability are equally valued

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 Kyle of Lochalsh site.

BUTEC

British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre is a specialised facility focused on underwater testing and evaluation. It supports the development and assessment of various maritime systems including submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles and naval munitions. Working towards the advancement of underwater technology including innovations in sonar, navigation and communication systems in real‑world scenarios.

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.

Our Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• 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
• 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.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.