Principal Engineer - Emerging Opportunities (111439-0426)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Simon Webb (Chief Technology Officer) at Simon.Webb@warwick.ac.uk

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

Background Checks

This role will require a Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check (BPSS) (National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK) and this will include undertaking a basic DBS check. This will need to be completed before any work can commence. Please note that due to the nature of the activities within this role, we will not be able to consider individuals from any of the listed ITAR restricted countries.

This role with work with the WMG CTO and the WMG senior leadership team to develop and lead the execution and implementation of according plans that respond to the future industrial need. Work across WMG/High Value Manufacturing Catapult to define the plan and strategic investment in emerging Aerospace and Defence opportunities.

About You

The candidate should have a track record in developing strategic capability value cases and be able to elicit ambiguous requirement and distil and clearly communicate these. They should have significant experience in high value manufacturing industry, ideally related to defence and aerospace. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About The Department

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering. We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award. Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre. Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre. Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/. World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 4th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

• Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
• Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.
• Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: To be confirmed

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD Principal Engineer - Emerging Opportunities (111439).pdf – 221KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.