Senior Mechanical/Structural Engineer
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
£56,250 – £62,500 / year
Salary
Within the market range
£46,800
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.2×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2122 (80% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £46,800, and QinetiQ is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2121 (Civil engineers, Structural design of submarine propulsors could be civil/structural engineering) or SOC 2129 (Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified, Design and development engineering role spanning multiple disciplines). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2122 Mechanical engineers Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £37,400 Clears | £42,100 Clears | £46,800 Clears |
2121 Civil engineers Also possible | £35,200 Clears | £40,300 Clears | £45,300 Clears | £50,400 Clears |
2129 Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £36,900 Clears | £41,500 Clears | £46,100 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Package: £56,250– £62,500 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: 20176
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re 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 Senior Mechanical/Structural Engineer at our Gosport site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
The Role
As a Senior Mechanical/Structural Engineer, reporting to the Principal Engineer, you'll be responsible for the design and analysis of components and assemblies from their initial concept through to testing and final production.
Day-to-day, you’ll be delivering technical projects relating to the structural design of submarine propulsors. You'll work with other team members supporting the development of complex multi material assemblies, for use in demanding environments.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Act as a Senior Engineer, combining subject matter expertise and sound engineering judgement to solve problems. Breakdown complex tasks and then execute the planned schedule of work. Work with the Project Management community to task and control work conducted by technical teams
- Develop the capabilities in the areas you are working in; mentor others to improve the knowledge of your areas of expertise within the wider engineering and technical communities
- Encourage increased collaboration across the Group/wider technical teams. Work with other functions (e.g. Safety Engineering) to deliver the technical programme of work ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, company and project-specific processes
- Utilise opportunities with partner organisations to identify and then develop joint technical strategies to expand our combined customer offering; this will include supporting Business Development and Sales strategy
Essential experience of the Senior Mechanical/Structural Engineer:
- Strong knowledge of mechanical and structural engineering, including design processes and manufacturing principles
- Thorough understanding of safety regulations and applicable regulatory requirements
- Proficient in CAD software, particularly Siemens NX or SolidWorks
- Experience designing structures to recognised industry standards (Maritime, Defence, or Civil)
- Skilled in designing both metallic and composite structures
- Competent in performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on complex structures and systems
Essential qualifications for the Senior Mechanical/Structural Engineer:
- BEng in Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture or equivalent demonstratable experience
This role is 37 hours per week based at our Haslar site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week.
Our facilities at the Haslar Marine Technology Park are state-of-the-art, including our ocean basin rotating arm, and marine towing tank, offering an unparalleled environment for testing and refining designs. Our marine technology offers our global customers a service to deliver constrained hydrodynamic model tests of surface ships, submarines, offshore structures, and renewable energy devices.
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
#UKD
Our Recruitment Process:
At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. One of our recruitment team will contact you.
Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.
Why Join QinetiQ?
As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.
As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.
Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq
Our Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
- Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with QinetiQ, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Mechanical engineers (SOC 2122) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~66k in sample- Offer £56,250–62,500
- Middle half £38,896–59,800
- Median £48,516
- Going rate £46,800
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–42,100
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£38,896–59,800), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at QinetiQAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. QinetiQ holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2122 going rate of £46,800. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.