Scientist - Experimental Physicist in Farnborough

Location: Farnborough, England, United Kingdom

Role Type: Permanent – Full Time

Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits

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 Scientist – Experimental Physicist at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with advanced electro‑optical technologies in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As a Scientist – Experimental Physicist, you will contribute directly to the development and delivery of electro‑optical and infrared (EO/IR) science capabilities that support critical UK defence programmes. Day‑to‑day, you’ll undertake experimental measurement campaigns, analyse EO/IR data, develop and validate novel characterisation techniques, and support laboratory and field trials aligned to customer delivery and future capability development.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering and analysing materials characterisation measurements across the EO/IR spectrum
• Undertaking laboratory and field‑based multi‑sensor measurements using cameras, radiometers and related instrumentation
• Designing and executing experimental measurement strategies in line with British or Defence Standards
• Analysing and correlating experimental data against modelled predictions
• Delivering and leading technical EO/IR tasks aligned to programme and customer requirements
• Supporting laboratory management activities including calibration, assurance, training and capability maintenance

Essential experience of the Scientist – Experimental Physicist:

• Strong understanding of electro‑optics and light‑matter interactions
• Hands‑on experience with spectrometers or spectrophotometers including UV‑VIS‑NIR or FTIR systems
• Experience working with EO/IR imaging systems such as radiometers or spectroradiometers
• Programming and data analysis skills, ideally using MATLAB
• Practical experience of experimental design and data interpretation
• Ability to write clear technical reports and communicate findings effectively

Essential qualifications for the Scientist – Experimental Physicist:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline

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. This role is 37 hours per week based at Farnborough. Hybrid working patterns are available. Travel to other QinetiQ and customer sites will be expected.

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

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting; applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.