Opportunities in Autonomy

It’s an exciting time to be part of QinetiQ. We are always looking for great people to join us as we continue to grow into new markets around the world. We currently have many opportunities and would love to hear from candidates who are interested in joining us now or in the future.

If there is alignment between your skills and the opportunities currently available, we will be contact.  Should there not be anything suitable at present, with your permission, we will keep your CV on file for consideration as future roles become available.

Opportunities in Autonomy

QinetiQ is growing – and it is a great time to be part of the community. As we enter new markets around the world, we need talented Autonomy Engineers, Technicians, Scientists to join our Control and Autonomy teams.

You will be part of a business that was named the Most Admired Aerospace & Defence Company in the Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2021 study. You will also be joining a diverse, inclusive employer that’s proud to provide a collaborative, open working environment. With our Adaptive approach, you will enjoy the work-life balance that suits you best, thanks to remote, hybrid and flexible working practices; but please bear in mind that, because of the nature of our business, fully remote working will not be an option.

We currently have opportunities in our Control and Autonomy teams at Farnborough and Portsdown Technology Park, and if your skills fit one of our opportunities, we shall be in contact. If we don’t have a role that’s right for you at the moment, we’ll keep your CV on file for possible opportunities in the future.

What do our Control and Autonomy Engineers, Technicians and Scientists do?

The Control and Autonomy team at Farnborough undertakes research and development of novel Crewed Uncrewed Teaming (CUCT) concepts and technologies for military combat uncrewed air systems, and develop and integrate avionics systems for crewed and uncrewed air platforms that include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to provide appropriate autonomy to the military operating context and use case. We undertake research and development in ground based Synthetic Environments (SE) to test our technologies with platform and sensor models in militarily representative use cases prior to undertaking flight test as part of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) trials. We de-risk integration of uncrewed combat air systems with crewed platforms and NATO Command and Control (C2) infrastructure, working with industry suppliers to exploit our technologies with the front-line.

The Autonomy team at Portsdown Technology Park undertakes research and development of our multi-platform multi-domain autonomy stack. We develop and integrate autonomous technologies into existing and new platforms to provide appropriate autonomy to the military operating context and use case. We utilise HW in the loop Synthetic Environments (SE) to test our technologies with platform and sensor models in militarily representative use cases prior to undertaking real world Land or Maritime Live trials. We work on all aspects of autonomy, from motion planning and sensor processing through to Physical and Electrical integration of actuators to retrofit autonomous capabilities.

You will have experience in some of the following areas:

• Early stage research into sensor processing, and data fusion approaches;
• Analysis and modelling of Uncrewed Systems vehicles, sensors and communication systems in networked SE;
• Algorithm development and analysis for autonomous and decision support systems;
• Development of AI and ML Control & Autonomy software in C, C++ and Matlab;
• Hardware integration and testing and supporting software development for integration of Control & Autonomy technologies with other avionics including sensors, communications and navigation systems;
• Undertaking formally assessed LVC human-in-the-loop experiments of CUCT operations to help define operating concepts and establish military benefit;
• Undertaking formally assessed trials in a variety of settings, both in the UK and overseas.

New to Control and Autonomy?

In your first role or have some experience in Control and Autonomy? Your talents may be a good match for our team. We recruit from a range of academic and professional backgrounds and if you have qualifications or experience in Engineering or Science, we would love to speak with you.  You will be offered the opportunities to develop your depth and breadth of expertise and experience and set you on the path for advancement.

Opportunities for mid-career Control and Autonomy Engineers, Technicians and Scientists

If you are a mid-career professional working in an associated industry, you will be applying your expertise right from day one. Whatever your specialism or background, you can expect ongoing development to help you excel and advance. This includes expert training and mentoring, with increased emphasis on self-development and on-the-job training.

Opportunities for highly experienced Control and Autonomy Engineers, Technicians and Scientists

As a senior Control and Autonomy Engineer, Technician or Scientist, you will already be a respected member of the community and can expect further specialist development (which may include support to MoD and/or industry working groups or frameworks, for example), and targeted mentoring to develop specific technical skills. If you have senior management potential, we’ll spot and nurture it. However, to progress to more senior roles, you’ll need to be an active member of an appropriate professional body.

Our Fellowship scheme recognises and develops professionals with high-level, specialist technical expertise.

Key points

• QinetiQ offers varied, rewarding and interesting careers across a range of locations in the UK and overseas;
• We explore multiple domains of application - Air, Space, Land, Maritime, ISTAR, Weapons and Cyber Engineering throughout the life cycle - from concept through development and operation to disposal;
• We have practitioners at all levels up to and including internationally recognised individuals. Our blended approach to learning means you’ll have access to formal training, mentoring, assisted self-development and on the job training;
• Excel, and your potential will be spotted. Our continuing professional development covers all career stages and levels of seniority;
• We support flexible working although as a member of our Autonomy Teams you will need to be prepared to work from the Farnborough or PTP sites on a regular basis and deploy to trials sites in the UK or abroad on an occasional basis.

Why we’re different

Our people. Our employees make the critical difference to customers by providing unique answers which combine technical expertise, deep domain knowledge and rigorous independent thinking.

Our independence. QinetiQ offers independent advice to MoD and other Government agencies in addition to being a supplier of high-tech products and services and as such acts with integrity, with elements of the organisation standing apart from the supply chain. It’s our rigorous independent thinking, coupled with our ability to develop novel technical solutions, that helps our customers achieve their goals.

Our breadth of capability. Our customers face challenges that define the modern world. They know we are uniquely placed to understand these issues and work with them to ensure the success of their mission or reach their objectives.

Our relationships with customers. Our prized possession is trust. Customers around the world rely on the drive and dedication of our people to help them meet their goals – often in environments where there is no second chance for failure.

Our partnerships. We use partnerships and alliances to accelerate compelling business development strategies and sustainable earnings growth. By licensing our intellectual property we reduce implementation and sales risk, and speed up time-to-market by using third party sales channels.

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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.

You’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experience 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 an diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture here.

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting defence-based projects with vast career progression across a global organisation in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.  You’ll receive a highly competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive as we constantly review what’s happening in the market. The range of benefits that we offer include, adaptive and flexible working, generous holiday entitlements, Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance and much more.

About QinetiQ

As a company of over 6,000 dedicated professionals, we are a world-centre of excellence in research and development and act as a catalyst for fast-track innovation, offering outstanding experimentation facilities, and technical, engineering and scientific expertise. QinetiQ is made up of dedicated experts in defence, aerospace, security and related markets, all working together to explore new ways of protecting what matters most. Being part of QinetiQ means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help to save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend. Come and find out how you can play a role.

Please note that many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants that already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. A number of roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information that mean factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may have an effect on the roles that you can be employed in.