Senior Combat System Engineer

Van Arendonk Makelaardij; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Senior Combat System Engineer in Portsmouth to deliver operationally effective naval combat systems. The role requires experience in maritime combat systems, integration, and evaluation. Responsibilities include leading a team, engaging stakeholders, and conducting sea trials. Ideal candidates hold an Engineering degree and possess leadership skills.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Health and Dental Insurance options

Employee discount portal

Volunteering Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering naval combat systems.
• Ability to support the Royal Navy’s Strike Net programme.
• Experience in producing Certificates of Safe Integration evidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct CSEs on technical matters.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements.
• Produce and execute test plans.

Skills

Experience in maritime combat systems

Integration, test and evaluation

Leadership and mentoring

Technical documentation production

Test & Evaluation processes awareness

Collaborative work with military and civilian teams

Education

Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics or similar

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or willingness to work towards CEng

HNC/D level qualification

Job description

Role Overview

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we are 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 Combat System Engineer at our Portsdown Technology Park (PTP) site, where you will work with state‑of‑the‑art technology alongside some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As a Senior Combat System Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering operationally effective naval combat systems and supporting the Royal Navy’s Strike Net programme. Day‑to‑day you will work within a team of Combat System Engineers to plan and execute integration, test, evaluation, and acceptance activities, ensuring that complex maritime systems meet operational requirements. You will also support the development of a Design Authority, conduct sea trials, and produce the evidence required for safe system integration.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and direct subordinate CSEs on technical matters related to Strike Net development
• Engage with customers, stakeholders, and suppliers to understand requirements
• Produce test plans, execute trials and conduct post‑trial analysis
• Generate technical documentation including Supporting Evidence for Certificates of Safe Integration
• Deliver progress reports to senior technical and project staff
• Conduct sea trials on Royal Navy ships

Essential Experience

• Experience in maritime combat systems and system‑of‑systems technology
• Proven track record in integration, test and evaluation of complex systems
• Ability to lead and mentor junior engineers in technical tasks
• Experience in producing technical artefacts for operational approval
• Awareness of Test & Evaluation or Integration processes
• Ability to work with military and civilian teams in a collaborative environment

Essential Qualifications

• Honours Degree in Engineering, Physics, or similar
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or willingness to work towards CEng
• HNC/D level qualification may be accepted with appropriate experience

We value difference and do not 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). Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected with opportunities to support sea trials on board Royal Navy ships.

About 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 has never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and our 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. Through effective teamwork and synergy, you’ll discover 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: qinetiq.com

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

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.

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

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology

Industries

Military and International Affairs