Systems Engineer - Project Callisto

Location: Hybrid – Abbey Wood, Bristol (minimum one day per week), with attendance at UK supplier sites, demonstrations, technical reviews and trials-related activity

Contract: 19 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, with a potential extension

Rate: Up to £550/day

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Clearance: Current SC clearance required

Nationality: UK nationals only

Application Deadline: 7 October 2026 at 11:30

Overview

Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking a Systems Engineer to provide dedicated engineering support to Project Callisto within the UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) Rapid Innovation Team (RIT).

The role has a particular emphasis on propulsion solutions, sub-system integration and uncrewed aerial system application, supporting the translation of operational need into robust technical requirements, supplier assessment and assurance, and trials planning and delivery.

Team Context

The UKDI RIT is an agile, fast-paced, multi-SQEP team delivering innovation projects. The main role is to provide propulsion expertise and systems engineering support across Project Callisto, a UKDI-led initiative to develop low-cost, disposable propulsion solutions for operational capability.

Key Tasks and Deliverables

• Develop and refine technical requirements for Project Callisto procurement activity.

Associated deliverables: Technical requirement inputs, evaluation criteria, qualification envelope inputs and technical clarification responses.

• Support early market engagement and supplier down-selection.

Associated deliverables: White paper technical sift outputs, supplier engagement notes and industry day technical input.

• Conduct technical assessment of supplier proposals, particularly propulsion maturity, integration risk and suitability for intended UAS application.

Associated deliverables: Technical assessment notes, evaluation evidence and risk/opportunity inputs.

• Support supplier assurance visits, demonstrations and technical reviews.

Associated deliverables: Visit reports, assurance findings, technical action logs and supplier evidence reviews.

• Support the development and execution of trials, test and evaluation activity with QinetiQ and other stakeholders.

Associated deliverables: Trials planning inputs, test objectives, technical success criteria and evidence capture approach.

• Provide technical advice to UKDI RIT and enable skills transfer into the Authority team.

Associated deliverables: Knowledge transfer sessions, technical handover notes, decision logs and lessons identified.

Essential Experience / Skills

• Demonstrable experience providing technical advice and supporting delivery of engineering outcomes in aerospace, propulsion or related systems engineering environments.
• Practical understanding of propulsion systems, sub-system integration and the engineering considerations associated with low-cost or disposable air systems.
• Experience providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes, ideally in propulsion solutions, aerospace solutions or related systems engineering environments.
• As a minimum, professional registration as one of the following:
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Registered Scientist (RSci)
• Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP)
• Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng)
• Registered Marine Scientist (RMarSci)
• Registered Marine Technologist (RMarTech)
• Advanced Data Science Professional
• Incorporated Radiation Protection Professional (IRadP)
• Advanced Registered IT Technician (Adv RITTech)
• Propulsion solutions technical experience is essential.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an agile, fast-paced mindset.

Desired Experience / Skills

• Experience with uncrewed aerial systems or expendable/disposable air systems.
• Experience assessing propulsion maturity, integration constraints, manufacturing readiness or test evidence.
• Familiarity with trials, test and evaluation planning, including definition of test objectives and success criteria.
• Experience working with suppliers during early-stage development, demonstration or prototype activity.
• Understanding of MOD, DE&S or defence innovation delivery environments.

Additional Information

• Minimum one day per week at Abbey Wood, Bristol.
• Attendance at UK supplier sites, demonstrations, technical reviews and trials-related activity will be required.
• Current SC clearance required.
• UK nationals only.
• Skills transfer is required into the UKDI RIT Authority team through knowledge-transfer sessions, technical handover notes, decision/lesson logs, and participation in technical reviews and trials planning.
• The successful candidate is not required to become a formal mentor but should be willing to guide and support UKDI graduates and apprentices where opportunities arise.