Software Development Engineer (Control & Autonomy)

Salary: £43,000 - 83,000 per year

Requirements:

• Proven C programming experience, ideally C++, within complex or safety-critical systems
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles
• Background in control, autonomy or complex software-based systems
• Experience with modelling, simulation or algorithm development
• Degree in a STEM discipline such as Engineering, Physics or Applied Mathematics
• Ability to demonstrate the required level of experience, technical capability and a willingness to learn
• Must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and deliver autonomy solutions that support complex military aviation systems
• Take ownership of technical work packages
• Contribute to research and development activities
• Support the integration and testing of autonomy and control technologies from concept through to live trials
• Apply software and systems engineering principles to the development of control and autonomy solutions
• Lead or contribute to algorithm development for autonomous and decision-support systems
• Develop production-level autonomy software using C, ideally C++, with exposure to Matlab
• Analyse and model uncrewed systems within synthetic environments
• Support hardware integration, testing and formally assessed trials in the UK and overseas
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to deliver operational capability

Technologies:

• Hardware
• Support
• Matlab
• C++
• Security

More:

We are QinetiQ, creating future-focused defence technology and innovations that empower and protect lives. Our Farnborough site is a state-of-the-art facility and a hub of creativity, research and innovation, with exciting work spanning advanced technologies, high-energy laser systems, a unique 5m pressurised wind tunnel simulation capability, and large research and development projects. This full-time role is based in Farnborough for 37 hours per week, with travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites, including trial locations in the UK and overseas, expected. We offer a competitive salary of 47,250 to 52,500 depending on experience, plus benefits including a matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance, generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional days, health cash plan, private medical insurance, dental insurance, an employee discount portal, volunteering opportunities, and support for the Armed Forces community. We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and a diverse, collaborative workplace where our people can be authentic, feel valued and realise their full potential.

last updated 36 week of 2026