# Systems Engineer - Project Callisto

> Quast Ltd · Stoke Gifford, United Kingdom (Hybrid) · Contract · Posted 2026-09-30

**Workplace:** hybrid

## Description

**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.

## Apply

[Apply at Quast Ltd](https://apply.workable.com/quast/j/0A400B70DB/apply)

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