Title:  Optical Materials Scientist

Package:  Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role ID:    SF17657

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 an Optical Materials Scientist at our Farnborough 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 an Optical Materials Scientist you’ll be designing and developing novel and innovative electro-optic technologies, informed by hands-on materials research and experimentation. The technologies will control how light and infrared radiation interact with surfaces and give rise to new phenomena.

Day-to-day, you’ll support QinetiQ’s mission to enhance safety and security by contributing to developing advanced optical materials, which will lead to better surveillance systems and sensors that help protect people and infrastructure. You’ll be part of a dynamic team in a multidisciplinary research environment of Engineers, Physicists, Vision Scientists and Chemists. You will provide scientific expertise and be responsible for the design, execution and delivery of complex and innovative research programmes in the area of materials, measurements and devices. You will be actively involved in developing bespoke solutions for novel applications across QinetiQ’s Applied Sciences capability.
 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to and leading technical tasks relating to materials, devices and measurements
• Conducting materials prototyping by designing, modelling, synthesising, formulating, applying and characterising novel materials and coatings
• Preparing, designing and participating in laboratory experiments and outdoor trials
• Providing advice and consultancy for internal and external programmes and bids
• Be accountable for managing your own time and technical progress to meet agreed goals and deadlines
• Maintaining detailed technical reports and logs

Essential experience of the Optical Materials Scientist: 

• Good understanding of interactions between materials and electromagnetic radiation
• Proficient in using spectrometers and other laboratory test equipment including Spectrometers, Imagers and Thermal Analysis (Eg. DSC/TGA)
• Experience in formulating coatings, inks and dyes
• Knowledge of scientific programming languages such as Matlab

Essential qualifications for the Optical Materials Scientist:

• Degree qualification in Chemistry or Materials Science (MSci, MChem or PhD is beneficial)

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 based at Farnborough. Hybrid working patterns available.

At our Farnborough site exciting work takes place at our state of the art facility, with high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel which has a simulation capability that is unique in the UK and our large research and development projects it is a real hub of creativity, research and innovation.  Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams and many more to provide future defences in the 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.  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)