Engineering Operations Graduate

QinetiQ is hiring a Graduate Engineering Operations Engineer to support engineering project delivery, operational planning, technical documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration across research and product development programmes.

At QinetiQ we are creating a workplace that is inclusive; where our differences are not only embraced but make us stronger. A place where we can connect with each other and benefit from the experiences and thinking from people with varied backgrounds, and at different stages in their careers.

Role Purpose:

As a Graduate Engineering Operations Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting both the operational delivery and technical execution of engineering activities. 

You will work across a diverse portfolio of programmes, contributing to the development of prototypes, demonstrators, products, and research outputs. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to both hands-on engineering and the operational mechanics of an engineering function. 

You will: 

• Support project delivery from concept through to transition into service 

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams 

• Build an understanding of how engineering organisations operate, including resourcing, planning, and performance reporting 

• Develop both your technical capability and professional engineering skills 

This role is designed to accelerate your development into a well-rounded engineer with strong foundations in both technical delivery and engineering operations.

Key Accountabilities:

We are looking for graduates who are curious, proactive, and motivated to solve complex problems. In this role, you will: 

Engineering Operations 

• Support day-to-day operational activities across the engineering function 

• Contribute to resource planning, data analysis, and reporting 

• Build an understanding of the organisation’s skills, capabilities, and delivery model 

Technical & Project Delivery 

• Work within multidisciplinary teams to support delivery of project objectives 

• Assist in delivering work packages in line with technical plans and project schedules 

• Contribute to the production of technical documentation 

• Support the integration of technical solutions and products 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Provide regular updates to engineers and project managers 

• Escalate risks, issues, or blockers in a timely manner 

• Work closely with stakeholders across engineering and project management 

Learning & Development 

• Develop a strong understanding of customer needs and project environments 

• Build experience across both technical engineering and operational leadership 

• Take ownership of assigned tasks, with opportunities to lead smaller work packages  

Key Capabilities/Knowledge:

1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a logical, evidence-based approach  

2. Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders  

3. Confidence in asking questions and thinking at a systems level  

4. Good attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality documentation  

5. Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment 

Experience & Qualifications:

We recognise that as a graduate, your experience may come from academic, personal, or early career activities.

We are particularly interested in: 

1. A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering or technical discipline 

2. Experience delivering a project (e.g. university, placements, or personal projects) 

3. Evidence of applying structured engineering or problem-solving approaches 

4. Experience producing clear technical reports or presentations 

5. Experience working in or leading teams (e.g. group projects, societies, or work) 

Our Benefits (the list is not exhaustive):

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms

• Coaching and Mentoring

• 25 days annual holiday excluding bank holiday

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance

• Flexible Benefits package

• Employee discount portal

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee-led networks 

Security:

Many of our roles at QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. Many roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information, which means factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may impact your role.