Optical Scientist

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.

Optical Scientist
 
The Laser & Optical Sensing team at QinetiQ are looking to add enthusiastic and talented engineers and scientists to their team of subject matter experts in our Malvern Location. Through your experience of optical systems you will be actively involved in delivering cutting-edge research relating to novel optical sensing and optical communications systems. Training in the exciting and growing technology area of remote sensing and optical communication systems will be provided.
 
What does the Laser & Optical Sensing team do?
 
The team’s primary focus is driving and supporting QinetiQ’s efforts in areas of laser based remote sensing and free space optical communications. If you are keen to see some of our work then search QinetiQ SDML or QinetiQ Free Space Optical Communications.

Day to day, we work on technologies ranging from first-demonstration prototypes to complete product systems. In the team you will design and build experimental setups, employ systems engineering principles, assemble, integrate and test systems, develop technological strategy, and provide bid-winning support to the business.
 
Varied career paths are a part of life at QinetiQ. As an Optical Scientist you could specialise in a key skill or particular domain, or work on systems across the business. With increasing demand for Laser and Optical and communication scientists/engineers across our business, your transferable skills and experience are highly desired.
 
We are looking for Optical Scientists with experience of some of the below:
 

• Photonics or optical design
• Communications technology
• Free Space Optics
• Using Lasers for remote sensing
• Fibre Optics
• Basic Signal Processing
• Lidar

 
Opportunities for mid-career Scientists/Engineers
 
If you’re a mid-career Laser and Optical Scientist or Engineer working in industry or academia, you’ll be applying your expertise right from day one. To enable you to develop further expert training and mentoring is provided, alongside self-development and on-the-job training. There are also opportunities for development of managerial and technical leadership skills.  

Additional responsibilities include:

• Writing technical bids
• Managing the technical direction of projects
• Input to our technical strategy
• Customer-facing delivery

 
Opportunities for highly experienced Scientists/Engineers
 
As a highly experienced Scientist or Engineer, you can expect to directly drive and support QinetiQ’s strategy in remote sensing and optical communications and take on more advanced technical leadership responsibilities, with support as you become familiar with the QinetiQ offering. Our Fellowship scheme recognises and develops professionals with high-level, specialist technical expertise.
 
Please note that all applicants must hold, or be able to achieve for Security Clearance as a minimum.

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

Our Benefits

• Adaptive and flexible working
• Generous holiday allowance
• Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Employee discount portal
• Holiday Trading
• Support for the Armed Forces community
• Payroll Giving and Volunteering

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.