QinetiQ
UAS Technical Lead

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UAS Technical Lead
Package: £56,250 – £62,500 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits
Role ID: SF20723
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 UAS Technical Lead at our Amesbury 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 a UAS Technical Lead, you’ll hold overall responsibility for the technical success of UAS projects, including responsibility for technical delivery of the project to time, cost and quality alongside adherence to QinetiQ engineering policy, procedures and escalation of technical issues to the Portfolio Technical Lead.
Day-to-day, you’ll be working with UAS technical staff in engineering and operations carrying out the planning and delivery of the technical activities and trials.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Planning and delivery of the technical activities ensuring that the requirements are understood, liaising with customers/stakeholders with unambiguous project aims
- Identifying key constraints, including external standards/legislative requirements along with identifying any safety and security issues
- Agreeing roles and responsibilities needed to deliver the project with roles such as Trials Lead, SDA, Safety Lead, Quality Manager and Configuration Manager
- Technical delivery including leading the delivery team, acting as a coordinator and facilitator, supporting and guiding the team members alongside liaising with the project manager and customer
- Liaising with the project manager and customer to ensure that they are fully informed of technical progress and issues
Essential Experience
- Deep knowledge of the UAS domain including the relevant regulations
- Planning and delivery of technical activities and leading technical responsibility
- Leading project teams with an understanding of technical leadership
- Understanding of UAS systems with experience in operations and T&E (Test and Evaluation)
- Providing technical assurance within UAS projects
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Qualifications
- UAS domain expertise with relevant project 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.
Working Hours and Location
This role is 37 hours per week based at our Amesbury (Boscombe Down) site with a minimum average site attendance of three days per week. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.
Boscombe Down
MOD Boscombe Down is a unique operational site featuring the longest military runway in the UK. Primarily focusing on providing testing, evaluation and support services for aviation and aerospace systems. Renowned for its extensive flight testing capabilities the site plays a vital role in the UK’s aviation defence contributing to the development, testing and airworthiness of military aircraft enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness.
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
Our Recruitment Process
At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing internal_recruitment@qinetiq.com. One of our recruitment team will contact you.


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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.
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 local community
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