How long have you worked in your current role at QinetiQ?
I have worked in Systems Engineering since joining QinetiQ as a graduate in 2019 and as an associate since 2021.
Where do you work?
I am currently working on the Digital Evaluation Engineering Capability (DEEC) programme, based at Boscombe Down. I typically work remotely, along with most of the DEEC development team, however we do utilise the facilities at Boscombe Down whenever we need to hold team meetings or workshops as this generally increases the productivity and value of these sessions.
What do you like most about your role?
My role provides opportunities to learn new technical and software skills and apply them to a novel, real-world product. It also allows me to build on the soft skills gained during my graduate scheme by taking on more responsibility, taking ownership of elements of the project and being creative in finding solutions to any problems that arise.
What has working within this role at QinetiQ taught you?
The importance of good communication between team members and project stakeholders to ensure common understanding and successful project delivery. Also being flexible in the face of adversity will often yield opportunities to explore new areas and develop new skills.
What have you achieved in your role so far?
Some of the achievements from my graduate scheme include creating a modular database demonstrator for the Typhoon Independent Technical Evaluation (ITE) team, authoring technical documentation for QinetiQ’s Range Helicopter Service, analysing trials data for the Flight Physics C-130J team and supporting the CADNet team by updating parts libraries in SolidWorks. More recently, I helped the DEEC team deliver the first increment of their new toolset, demonstrated current and future capability to potential users and stakeholders and led workshops with subject matter experts to help shape the direction of future toolset development.
Why would you recommend a career at QinetiQ?
QinetiQ offers such a diverse range of areas to work in and the opportunity to explore them through initiatives such as their Early Careers programmes. These are tailored to suit an individual’s background and future goals but also flexible enough to identify alternative avenues, as well as providing a great first step towards professional development. The Year in Industry programme I found particularly beneficial as this provided an eye-opening view of life working for a large technology and defence company whilst I was still studying towards my degree, and opened the door back into the industry once I had completed my studies. Throughout my development from year in industry student to graduate to associate, QinetiQ has continuously supported me, both through the Early Careers team and my System Engineering functional manager.
Interests outside of work?
As someone who loves aviation, Boscombe Down could not be a more ideal workplace with occasional visits from rare or unusual aircraft and interesting events, often promoted by the site team. QinetiQ also regularly participates in the UK’s largest airshows and this has enabled me to attend these events when otherwise I would not have been able to. Being able to share this interest with other like-minded people at Boscombe Down is also something I value greatly.