Principal Research Engineer - Defence

NCC is seeking an experienced Principal Research Engineer to provide senior technical leadership within its Defence portfolio. The role spans delivery of complex, cutting-edge research and development, addressing a diverse range of highly technical challenges with accountability for technical outcomes across the full engineering lifecycle.
Operating as a senior technical authority and trusted advisor, you will shape engineering strategy, provide technical assurance, and support programmes spanning all defence domains, including air, land, maritime, space and digital. The role demands strong professional judgement, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to integrate multidisciplinary engineering activity within highly regulated, safety and security critical environments., o Provide senior technical leadership across complex, multi-disciplinary defence engineering programmes, taking accountability for technical direction, coherence, and quality of outputs.
o Operate as a technical authority across the full engineering lifecycle, including early concept development, trade studies, requirements flow-down, detailed design, verification, validation, and certification activities.
o Contribute to defence-related innovation, ensuring alignment with UK strategic priorities and secure technology development.
o Collaborate with industry partners, government stakeholders, and academia to accelerate technology readiness and industrial adoption.
o Review, challenge, and assure engineering data packs, design substantiation, test evidence, and technical documentation.
o Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical excellence and collaborative growth.
o Represent NCC credibly as a Principal Research Engineer within defence and aerospace forums, forming part of the organisation's technical leadership community.
o Uphold stringent security, export control, and information assurance requirements across all activities.

o Degree (or Higher qualification) in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
o Experience delivering complex engineering work within defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industrial sectors
o UK National with eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).
o Strong understanding and practical application of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, trade studies, interface definition, and design assurance.
o Strong understanding of composite materials, their design, processing, and performance characteristics.
o Proven capability in engaging and influencing senior technical and non-technical stakeholders, including customers and programme leadership.
o Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership skills.
Desirable but Non-essential Attributes
o Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
o Background in defence programmes.
o Experience in thermal protection systems and high temperature materials.
o Understanding of 3D textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, or embroidery for composite applications.
o Experience working across industry and with government bodies.
o Knowledge of digital design tools, simulation software, and automated manufacturing systems.
o Awareness of emerging defence technologies, digital engineering, or advanced manufacturing approaches.

+ Who are NCC?
NCC is a world-leading innovation organisation that turns cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact.
What we do
We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges - whether that's building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK's supply chains. We're here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.
Who we work with
We work across 16 sectors, from defence and energy to infrastructure and space. Some projects are with global tier 1s, others with small UK firms solving one specific problem - the works always varied, and always real.
What it's like here
We're not a startup. We're not a corporate. We're a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you'll be trusted to get on with it.
Why this job matters
This role isn't just internal support - it's part of how we deliver nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK's manufacturers can do theirs better.
Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We're always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don't be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs including alternative ways to apply. Please contact [email protected]. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.