UAV Global Operations Technician

QinetiQ Limited; Ashford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ Target Systems is recruiting a UAV Global Operations Technician in Ashford. You will join the Field Services Team to build, test, maintain, and ship target systems used in defence training across multiple countries. Expect extensive international travel and hands-on maintenance of aerial and surface targets.

The role emphasizes teamwork, reliability under pressure, and the ability to train others in system operation while ensuring safety and operational readiness for global deployments.

Qualifications

• Experience in a field/deployable environment under pressure.
• Good IT skills and communication abilities.
• Full National Driving Licence required.
• GCSE maths and English required; HIAB competency advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build, test, repair and disassembly of aerial/surface targets per manuals.
• Fault diagnosis of targets, launchers and ground equipment.
• Refuelling of targets and preparation of payloads.
• Operating launcher systems and recovery operations.
• Post-flight checks and routine maintenance.

Skills

Team player

IT skills

Good communication

Driving licence

GCSE maths & English

Education

GCSE maths and English

Engineering HND/HNC or apprenticeship

Job description

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Job Title: UAV Global Operations Technician

Location: Ashford, England, United Kingdom

Role Type: Permanent – Full Time

Job title: UAV Global Operations Technician
Location: Ashford, Kent
Company: QinetiQ Target Systems
Hours: Full-time, permanent

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a UAV Global Operations Technician to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Field Services Team. QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC, specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems, including the world-leading Banshee target.

QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over 40 countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over 15 of these countries.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Field Services Team Leader, you will be an active team member in the service delivery of unmanned aerial and surface targets, to assist in the training requirements of defence forces around the world. Operations Technicians build and test target systems, as well as conduct maintenance, packing, and shipping of all parts, systems and ancillary equipment necessary for the deployed service delivery that the team conducts

Duties will include:

• Build, test, repair and disassembly of aerial and surface targets, in accordance with operator manuals and service bulletins, range standard operating practises and flight test schedules
• Repairs may include line replacement units as well as fibreglass repairs and engine tuning and maintenance
• Fault diagnosis of targets, launchers, ground equipment and ancillary equipment
• Refuelling of the targets
• The preparation and removal of target payloads
• Handling and preparing pyrotechnics
• Assistance with the operating of the launcher systems
• Conducting target retrieval from recovery areas
• Complete post flight checks and replenish or repair as necessary
• Engine running and tuning
• Desalination of targets post sea recovery
• Maintenance of all ground support equipment where specified
• May assist in training of the systems to others
• Familiarity with boat and boat target operations
• Extensive travel internationally, which can be at short notice

What do I need?

You will have experience of working in a field / deployable environment and be calm and able to work under pressure.

You’ll be an excellent team player who is enthusiastic and committed to the role / team and have a full National Driving Licence.

We also ask that you:

• have a basic understanding and appreciation of the principles of flight
• are qualified to GCSE level in maths and English
• ordinarily hold and maintain competency to operate a hydraulic crane (HIAB)
• are willing to become a first aider
• have good IT skills
• are a good communicator, both written and oral

The following would be an advantage:

• Domain knowledge of unmanned aerial targets systems including ground, target and control systems
• An Engineering HND / HNC qualification or relevant apprenticeship

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of exciting defence-based projects, with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.

You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive, as we constantly review what’s happening in the market.

The range of benefits we offer include:

• ample holiday entitlements
• generous employer pension contributions
• enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• plus much more