Title:  Systems Engineer

Package:       Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role ID:         SF17682

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 Systems Engineer at our QTS site in Ashford, Kent, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
 
QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems including the world leading Banshee target. The effectiveness of military operations at the front line is based on the Armed Services having the right equipment and having effectively trained against realistic threats. To achieve this, military equipment needs to be rigorously tested and integrated with the war fighter, and comprehensive training conducted prior to entering the theatre of operations.

QTS is a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and operation of advanced target systems for live-fire training exercises and weapons test and evaluation.

The Role
As a Systems Engineer, you'll have a role that is out of the ordinary; being responsible for designing, developing, and optimising systems and payloads for a family of Unmanned Target Aircrafts, used to represent various airborne threats. 

Day-to-day, you will support the V&V Engineering Lead in Test and Trial Operations at Ashford. You will also perform systems integration, including hardware, software, and mechanical components, ensuring seamless operation of avionics, propulsion, electrical, and payloads.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyse and decompose system requirements, translating them into detailed technical specifications for subsystems and component design
• Writing and reviewing documentation including design documentation, test and trial plans, test results and flight trial reports
• Develop and maintain system architecture and documentation, including block diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), and systems engineering plans
• Support the resolution of technical issues during development, testing, and certification processes, providing guidance and troubleshooting as needed
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the System Engineering / Design Process
• Support new product designs and major product change testing to ensure alignment to industry best practice and meeting customer requirements

Essential experience of the Systems Engineer:

• Previous experience of testing, evaluation and acceptance products within an ISO9001 environment
• Ability to produce inspection and testing plans, and coordinate testing activities with stakeholders including design, production and field services
• Knowledge of flight control systems and navigation systems, as applied to unmanned target systems
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles
• Ability to produce trials plans and coordinate target trials as well as having knowledge of aircraft systems architecture
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems and use excellent communication and collaboration skills to work in multidisciplinary teams

Essential qualifications of the Systems Engineer:

• Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Aviation or Systems Engineering related technical discipline, or have equivalent relevant experience

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. 

This role is 37 hours per week and based at our Ashford site. Hybrid working patterns are available, there will also be occasional international travel.

QinetiQ operates state of the art facilities across the UK that focus on defence, security and technology innovation. These facilities enable QinetiQ to conduct a wide range of research, testing and development activities that support both military and civilian applications helping to advance technology and support national security.

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 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 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

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels value, heard and supported.  If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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 mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

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)