QinetiQ
System Engineer, Maritime Graduate - 2026 UKD
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
System Engineer, Maritime Graduate - 2026 UKD
Systems Engineer Maritime Graduate
About the Role
At QinetiQ, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity makes us stronger. Our UK Defence business delivers solutions for evolving threats in Air, Land, Maritime, and Weapons domains.
This Maritime Graduate opportunity focuses on systems engineering in defence and commercial applications. Our Systems Engineers provide high-quality technical advice, lead complex projects, and innovate to shape the future. As part of the Graduate Scheme, you’ll refine your expertise across domains while working with customers to design and deploy cutting-edge systems.
You’ll engage in exciting opportunities, including:
- Maritime Combat System Integration
- Underwater Threat Representation & Signatures
- Project lifecycle application of Systems Engineering principles
- Trials planning & execution
- Developing new customer propositions
Key Responsibilities
As a graduate Systems Engineer, you’ll:
- Collaborate in cross-functional project teams to deliver Maritime domain projects across UK Defence and commercial sectors (under senior guidance).
- Engage with external stakeholders, gathering requirements and ensuring alignment on technical solutions.
- Assess technical designs under supervision, while maintaining clear documentation and communication.
- Support issue identification and risk assessment, helping to mitigate delays or gaps in project inputs.
- Demonstrate leadership on small projects, taking ownership with minimal oversight.
- Embrace flexibility—balancing project needs while contributing flexibly, including potential deployments as part of the training programme.
Personality & Behavioural Expectations
To thrive in this role, you should demonstrate:
- Analytical meticulousness—skilled at breaking down complex problems.
- Self-motivation, consistency, and adaptability to fast-changing environments.
- Exceptional communication:
- Active listening, questioning, and influencing stakeholders.
- Clear written/verbal reports, both internally and externally.
- Effective presentations to diverse audience levels.
- Social intelligence—navigating nuanced stakeholder engagements with empathy and tact.
- Resilience in uncertain scenarios: transitioning from ambiguity to clear problem definition and supporting design decisions.
- Rapid learning capability—quickly absorbing specialised technical details.
Reasons to use Rodeo
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.
It 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.
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.
Roles & Challenges
You’ll be required to:
- Transition projects from ambiguity to defined solutions while maintaining a customer-focused mindset.
- Continuously extract value from hypothetical or ambiguous inputs, translating them into systematic delineations.
- Drive iterative solutions within tight schedules.
- Balance individual expertise with collaborative development within your team.
Qualifications & Experience
Candidates should meet the following:
Essential:
- A degree (or equivalent level qualification) in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline—2:1 standard or superior—already achieved or in progress at application. (Typically: Aeronautical/Mechanical/Electronic/Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics—no limitations here to show classic ‘deviations’. Our dynamic technical environment allows connections across most STEM disciplines. Willingness to push against boundaries and reignite use of underutilised knowledge, is equally important.)
- A "can-do" mindset—logical, curious approach with an innate sense of precision.
- Dedication to UK military defence projects, including exposure to Security Clearance-related protocols.
- Willingness for immersive training programs and travel, including potential short-term placements away from your main site during the first phases of development.
- Enthusiasm for professional registration (e.g., CEng/IGEM/ICE) via applicable institutions.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable:
- Proven ability in report writing, technical documentation, or problem-solving case studies related to any technical trade.
- Certifications (if established) or track record of start-up projects that require guided systems application (and the capacity to execute independent problem recognition).
Application Process
Submit a CV and covering letter, detailing:
- Your motivation, technical skillset, and relevance to the role.
- Any professional certifications or activities demonstrating potential for systems-engineering growth.
Security Requirements
All applicants must be eligible for SC (Sensitive) clearance. Recruitment considers UK/equivalent vetting, including status against basic eligibility factors (e.g., residence history) as noted in UK Security Vetting guidance.
Benefits
QinetiQ provides:
- 25 paid annual leave days (excluding bank holidays).
- Flexible benefits (cybersecurity discounts, childcare schemes, etc.).
- A pension contribution, life assurance, and employee discount portal.
- Mentorship and continuous learning on-demand via digital platforms.
- Neurodiversity Accessibility Services (pre-recruit adjustments supported).
彲ounded on a value-driven culture, we champion diversity and embed thorough consideration of alternatives through Clinical Need. Explore our inclusive culture in detail here.
Timeline
Applications close: 9th July 2026 (or until filled).
For encouragement— HR/inclusion teams actively collaborate with candidates to accommodate during testing phases. If you encounter specific needs, proactive dialogue with your recruiter ensures tailored adjustment. Qineti06 is a legacy employer that takes these commitments seriously. Consider this role yours to excel.
Applications will be reviewed promptly.
“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