Mission Systems Engineer

At QinetiQ, we are 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 work with cutting‑edge technology and brilliant minds.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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, C4
  
  ISR or other military aviation programmes

• 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.

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