Principal Mechanical Engineer
// Role Summary
Lead engineering workstreams as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at QinetiQ, mentoring multidisciplinary teams and driving innovative defence solutions at our state-of-the-art Haslar site. Work with cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds to shape the future.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Provide technical expertise in mechanical design and analysis.
- Manage delivery of complex engineering work packages.
- Work with cutting-edge marine technology at Haslar.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and hybrid working options available.
- Requires eligibility for SC clearance.
// Role Specification
About the Role
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we are creating tomorrow's defence technology. Join us as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Gosport site, where you will collaborate with brilliant minds and work with cutting-edge technology.
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of engineering workstreams, providing technical direction and mentorship across teams. Your role is instrumental in ensuring that engineering solutions are robust, innovative, and delivered to the highest standards. You will combine technical excellence, leadership, and mentoring to guide a multidisciplinary team and ensure the successful delivery of high-profile, multi-year projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary engineering team, ensuring delivery to scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining technical excellence.
- Provide technical engineering expertise across design, analysis, and development activities, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
- Act as a mentor and coach to engineers at all levels, fostering professional development and strengthening team capability.
- Own and deliver complex work packages, overseeing design reviews, documentation, and engineering outputs to ensure quality and compliance.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to develop integrated engineering solutions and support business growth initiatives.
- Ensure engineering governance is applied consistently, acting as a technical reviewer for key programmes and maintaining adherence to recognised standards.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in a senior mechanical engineering role, including leading teams.
- Strong background in mechanical design and engineering analysis, ideally within regulated or complex environments (e.g., maritime, defence, energy, or infrastructure).
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop engineers, building high-performing teams.
- Solid understanding of engineering standards, codes of practice, and design governance.
- Experience managing delivery of engineering projects or programmes.
- Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering analysis methods.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BEng/MEng) or equivalent experience.
We value difference and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. If you can demonstrate the required level of experience and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply.
Location and Working Patterns
This role is based at Haslar. Hybrid working patterns are available.
About Haslar
Our facilities at the Haslar Marine Technology Park are state-of-the-art, including our ocean basin rotating arm and marine towing tank, offering an unparalleled environment for testing and refining designs. Our marine technology provides global customers with services for constrained hydrodynamic model tests of surface ships, submarines, offshore structures, and renewable energy devices.
Why Join QinetiQ?
QinetiQ is a growing global company with an appetite for innovation and the courage to tackle complex challenges. You will experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences enjoy collaborating openly. We offer a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued, and realise your full potential.
Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance.
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
- Options for Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance.
- Employee discount portal.
- Support for the Armed Forces community.
- Volunteering opportunities.
Recruitment Process
We strive to make our recruitment process inclusive, 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. Certain roles may also have additional restrictions based on nationality or previous nationalities.
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.