Materials Technician

About the Role

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 Applied Science Technician 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.

As a Materials Technician, you will play a key role in supporting the development and testing of innovative materials and structures used across a wide range of research and development programmes. Day-to-day, you'll work in a practical workshop and testing environment, supporting engineers and scientists through the manufacture, preparation, and testing of samples and prototypes. This is a hands-on role that involves working with tools, equipment, and materials to help deliver cutting-edge research projects.

Responsibilities:

• Manufacturing and preparing material samples for testing and evaluation.
• Operating workshop equipment to cut, machine, finish, and prepare test specimens.
• Supporting prototyping, fabrication, and assembly activities for research programmes.
• Conducting physical testing and accurately recording results.
• Maintaining equipment, tools, consumables, and stock levels.
• Following safe working practices, risk assessments, and operating procedures.

Essential Experience:

• Practical hands-on experience gained through engineering, manufacturing, workshop, technician, or apprenticeship environments.
• Experience using tools, machinery, or workshop equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality and consistency.
• Ability to follow technical instructions and documented procedures.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to manage workload across multiple tasks and work effectively within a team.

Essential Qualifications:

• GCSE level qualifications or equivalent.
• Relevant vocational qualification or apprenticeship in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline.
• Evidence of continued professional development or willingness to undertake further training.

We value difference and 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 onsite at our Farnborough site. At our Farnborough site, exciting work takes place in 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 experiences 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 the 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 valued, 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 means 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. See UKSV National Security Vetting Solution guidance for applicants on GOV.UK.