QinetiQ
Mission Systems Engineer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Package: £49,275 - £54,750 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: SF20331
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 Mission Systems Engineer at our RAF Coningsby 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 Mission Systems Engineer, you will help shape and enhance mission systems capabilities that support current and future combat air operations, delivering innovative solutions that directly contribute to operational effectiveness.
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 operational capability development for frontline combat air platforms. 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 military personnel and multidisciplinary engineering teams to analyse, model, develop and evaluate mission systems across the sensor-to-effect chain. You will support the development of mission data, software tools, operational analysis and emerging AI-enabled capabilities that enhance the performance and effectiveness of advanced combat air platforms including Typhoon and Lightning.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing, producing, testing and evaluating mission data and mission system capabilities
- Conducting modelling, simulation and operational analysis activities to assess system performance and effectiveness
- Developing software tools and applications using Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar technologies
- Supporting the integration, enhancement and evaluation of mission planning and mission support systems
- Applying data fusion, machine learning and AI techniques to operational challenges
- Working collaboratively with military personnel, customers and stakeholders to develop innovative mission-focused solutions
Essential experience of the Mission Systems Engineer:
- Around 5 years of demonstrable experience in mission systems, mission data, modelling and simulation, systems engineering or operational analysis
- Experience of software development using Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar programming languages
- Knowledge of modelling and simulation techniques within a defence, aerospace or complex engineering environment
- Experience undertaking test, evaluation, verification or performance assessment activities
- Understanding of systems engineering principles and system integration activities
- Experience applying data analysis, data fusion, machine learning or AI techniques to solve complex technical challenges
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Desirable experience of the 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 tactical datalinks, secure communications or wider combat air mission systems
- Experience supporting Typhoon, Lightning, ISR, C4ISR or other military aviation programmes
Essential qualifications for the 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 will be expected.
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
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
#UKI #LI-JW1
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills