QinetiQ
Principal Mechanical Engineer
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Principal Mechanical Engineer – Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role ID: SF20278
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we're not just imagining tomorrow—we’re creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Gosport site, where you’ll work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry.
About the Role
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of engineering workstreams while providing technical direction and mentorship across teams. You will ensure that engineering solutions are robust, innovative, and delivered to the highest standards.
Day-to-day, 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
- Collaborate 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
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Essential Experience & Qualifications
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
Qualifications:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BEng/MEng) or equivalent experience
Diversity & Inclusivity: We value difference and do not have fixed ideas about background or education—experience and willingness to learn matter to us most.
Location & Working Arrangements
This 37-hour-per-week role is based at Haslar, with options for hybrid working patterns.
Why Choose QinetiQ?
Nestled within the Haslar Marine Technology Park, our state-of-the-art facilities—including an ocean basin rotating arm and marine towing tank—offer an unparalleled environment for testing and refining designs. Our specialised marine technology enables us to deliver constrained hydrodynamic model tests for surface ships, submarines, offshore structures, and renewable energy devices. Our global customers rely on us to address their most complex challenges—and that’s exactly where you’ll find your impact.
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Our Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, including life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase extra days
- Access to Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal covering Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets, and more
- Commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community (recognised as Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme)
- Volunteering opportunities to contribute to charities and the local community
Our Recruitment Process
We pledge to make our recruitment process inclusive and supportive, ensuring every candidate feels valued, heard, and empowered. If you have a disability or health condition, please contact your Recruiter to discuss reasonable adjustments.
nuest notes that:
- All applicants for this role must be eligible for SC security clearance (as a minimum).
- Some roles are subject to national security vetting or additional restrictions (e.g., nationality requirements).
- For security clearance guidance: UKSV National Security Vetting – GOV.UK
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