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Graduate Associate Communications Engineer role supporting the research, design, testing, and integration of underwater communication systems for maritime defence applications.
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 Graduate Associate Communications Engineer at our Portsmouth 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 Graduate Associate Communications Engineer, you'll contribute to the development of innovative underwater communication systems that support mission-critical maritime operations, helping to deliver technologies that make a real-world impact.
Day-to-day, you'll work alongside project managers and technical specialists to support the research, analysis, design, integration, testing and evaluation of maritime underwater communications solutions. You'll contribute to technical investigations, data analysis, system modelling, documentation, test planning and reporting, while gaining hands-on experience across the full engineering lifecycle.
Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you'll help deliver high-quality technical outputs, support trials and integration activities, and develop your expertise in communications technologies within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting the research, analysis and development of maritime underwater communications systems
Assisting with the design, implementation, integration and evaluation of communication solutions across the system lifecycle
Producing technical documentation, test plans, trial reports and presentations to support project delivery
Conducting data analysis and interpreting results to inform engineering decisions and recommendations
Working collaboratively with project managers, technical leads and multidisciplinary teams to deliver project objectives
Following engineering processes and best practice while identifying opportunities to improve ways of working
Essential experience of the Graduate Associate Communications Engineer:
Experience or knowledge of communications technologies gained through academic projects, placements or industry experience
Ability to use engineering programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar for analysis and problem solving
Experience of using RF test and measurement equipment, or an understanding of communication system testing principles
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to different audiences
Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, with a proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement
Essential qualifications for the Graduate Associate Communications Engineer:
A degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or another relevant STEM discipline
Eligibility to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the role
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.
PTP
Portsmouth Technology Park (PTP) is one of QinetiQ’s key facilities, focusing on advanced technology development and engineering services. It is dedicated to research and development, ensuring that complex systems are designed, integrated, and tested effectively to meet operational requirements. The facility utilises sophisticated modelling and simulation techniques to analyse and predict performance.
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.
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
How to apply
Apply directly through the company website. Clicking the link below will open the application page in a new window.

Location: Farnborough, Hampshire
Industry: Engineering
QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. Our purpose is protecting lives by serving the national security interests of our customers. We employ more than 8,000 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required.
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