QinetiQ
Associate Mission Systems Engineer

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Package: £44,100 - £49,000 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: 20332
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 an Associate Mission Systems Engineer at our Lincoln site, embedded at RAF Coningsby, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As an Associate Mission Systems Engineer, you will support the development and enhancement of mission systems capabilities that contribute directly to the operational effectiveness of current and future combat air platforms.
This particular role is based at the Mission Support Centre at RAF Coningsby and offers a unique opportunity to work directly with military personnel, supporting the delivery of mission-critical capabilities for frontline operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a military environment and collaborating closely with RAF stakeholders on a daily basis.
Day-to-day, you'll work alongside experienced engineers, analysts, and military personnel, applying modelling, analysis, and software development techniques to complex mission system challenges. You'll contribute to projects spanning operational analysis, mission data, mission planning systems, AI and machine learning applications, and the development of future mission solutions supporting platforms such as Typhoon and Lightning.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the modelling, simulation, and analysis of mission systems and operational scenarios
- Assisting with the development, testing, and evaluation of mission data and mission support capabilities
- Developing software and analytical tools using Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar technologies
- Contributing to system testing, integration, and performance assessment activities
- Applying data analysis and machine learning techniques to operational challenges
- Supporting research into emerging technologies, autonomy, and AI-enabled mission systems
Essential experience of the Associate Mission Systems Engineer:
- Relevant technical experience in modelling, analysis, software development, systems engineering, or a related discipline
- Experience using Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar programming languages
- Knowledge of modelling, simulation, data analysis, or algorithm development techniques
- Experience using analytical approaches to solve technical problems
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and customer environments
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Desirable experience of the Associate Mission Systems Engineer:
- Experience working with Mission Data within a defence or aerospace environment
- Knowledge or experience of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, capability development, or analysis
- Understanding of AI, machine learning, neural networks, or data fusion techniques
- Familiarity with mission planning systems, synthetic environments, or operational analysis
- Experience supporting defence, aerospace, or military aviation programmes
Essential qualifications for the Associate Mission Systems Engineer:
- Degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or another relevant STEM discipline
- Alternatively, equivalent professional experience in a relevant technical field
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 and is based full-time at our RAF Coningsby site. Due to the nature of the work and close collaboration with military personnel, this role requires onsite attendance five days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites may be required.
QinetiQ operates state-of-the-art facilities across the UK that focus on defence, security, and technology innovation. These facilities enable QinetiQ to conduct a wide range of research, testing, and development activities that support both military and civilian applications helping to advance technology and support national security.
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 workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers, and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com. One of our recruitment team will contact you.


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Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, 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.
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. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering 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. www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq
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
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