QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) Ltd 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.

We are currently seeking to recruit an Airframes Operative who would be responsible for constructing airframes, surface vessel targets and associated components from the QTS range of target types within a production environment. 

Role Purpose
•    To carry out fabrication, welding and fitting tasks to QTS related assemblies and products, and ensure that cost, time and quality is maintained. 


Key Accountabilities
•    Manufacture and assemble as instructed by the departmental supervisor, fabricated and mechanical components and structures from drawings.    
•    Work collaboratively with all departments in the Production facility.
•    To show by results an adequate standard of training and experience.
•    To maintain a consistent standard of work and performance to satisfy the Company Quality standards and production demands.
•    Perform duties and additional tasks as directed by the departmental supervisor / Production Manager.
•    Participate and lead when required, in CI related activities 

Duties/Responsibilities
•    Manufacture and assemble metal fabrications, both ferrous and non-ferrous, using appropriate equipment and processes, for example MIG, TIG, Electric Arc welding, Guillotine, Folder, and Drill etc.
•    Manufacture from drawings and identify where improvements in function, efficiency and quality can be achieved.
•    Work in co-operation with all departments in the Production facility and show by results, an adequate standard of skill.
•    Maintain a consistent standard of work and performance to satisfy the Company Quality Assurance manual.
•    Perform all duties relating to the position held and additional tasks as directed by the Production Manager or his / her deputies. 

Standard Responsibilities 
•    To adopt and comply with QinetiQ values, policies and procedures including: 
-    Health & Safety
-    General Date Protection Regulations and use of IT
-    HR Policies & Procedures 
-    Equality & Diversity 
-    Security and confidentiality 
-    Code of conduct
•    No job description can cover every issue which may arise within the role. The post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those described. 
•    We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the role purpose and accountabilities to suit the needs of the business. 

Key Capabilities/Knowledge
•    Competent in the use of MIG Welders
•    Competent in the use of TIG Welders (preferred)
•    Sheet metal experience, cutting & folding
•    Good understanding Engineering drawings
•    Attention to detail

Experience & Qualifications
•    Time served apprenticeship in relevant field
•    Experience of working within a manufacturing environment
•    Experience of workplace continuous improvement. Lean, Kaizen, 6S.

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 an diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture here.


Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting defence-based projects with vast career progression across a global organisation in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits. You’ll receive a highly 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 that we offer include, adaptive and flexible working, generous holiday entitlements, Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance and much more.

About QinetiQ

As a company of over 6,000 dedicated professionals, we are a world-centre of excellence in research and development and act as a catalyst for fast-track innovation, offering outstanding experimentation facilities, and technical, engineering and scientific expertise. QinetiQ is made up of dedicated experts in defence, aerospace, security and related markets, all working together to explore new ways of protecting what matters most. Being part of QinetiQ means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help to save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend. Come and find out how you can play a role.

Please note that many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants that already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. A number of roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information that mean factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may have an effect on the roles that you can be employed in.