The Role

As a Systems Engineer, you will be 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.

You will also;

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

This role is full-time, 37 hours per week and based at our Ashford site, with hybrid working available. There will also be occasional international travel.

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

Qualifications of the Systems Engineer:

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

For further information on QinetiQ Target Systems, please visit:

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: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows most employees to buy up to 5 days’ additional leave We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant. Payroll Giving and Volunteering - helping charities and local community

Our volunteering programme enables our people to use their professional skills to make a positive difference in our local communities, for example STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) ambassador days in schools. We support a number of charities that are important to our people, including those which help the defence community. 

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 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.