At a Glance
- Tasks: Instruct and train crews on the MQ-9B aircraft at RAF Waddington.
- Company: Award-winning defence and technology company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and uncapped leave after probation.
- Other info: Exciting deployment opportunities across Europe and relocation support for non-UK applicants.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact in defence training.
- Qualifications: 250 hours military flying experience as a Sensor Operator or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Lincoln, England, United Kingdom
Role Type: Permanent – Full Time
THE COMPANY
We are a highly innovative and rapidly growing defence and technology company that design, develop, and deliver some of the world’s most advanced defence related training, products, and services. We were recently crowned Employer of the Year at the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2023. We have been listed as one of the ‘100 Best Large Companies to Work For’ in the UK and Midlands by Best Companies several times as well as achieving ‘Best Companies 3 Star Accreditation’ and a rating of ‘world‑class’ for our employee engagement on a number of occasions. We are also proud to have been honoured with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation, for our next‑generation GECO military mission planning system.
As part of a unique and specialist defence company, our friendly team consists of experienced and highly capable individuals, working together with a mature ‘can do’ work ethic. Our central business functions are located in an easily accessible, bright and modern head office to the west of Lincoln, alongside our mission systems team, while the majority of our operational specialists are embedded alongside our Defence customers.
THE ROLE
Inzpire is seeking experienced Sensor Operators / Weapons Systems Officers (or equivalent) to become MQ‑9B (UK Protector RG1) Instructor Sensor Operators based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. There is expected to be a significant increase in contractor flight crews over the next five years. We welcome applications from suitable candidates available to commence roles in 2026. The contract is expected to start mid to late 2026 (subject to change).
THE PERSON
We are interested in applicants with the following qualifications:
- 250 hours military flying as a Sensor Operator or Weapons Systems Officer (or equivalent) (uncrewed & crewed).
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS operations: MQ‑1, MQ‑9A, MQ‑9B or similar.
Conversion training will be provided (if necessary) and once qualified on type, the successful candidates will deliver instruction on the MQ‑9B at RAF Waddington, teaching crews how to fly and operate the aircraft. The core working week is Monday to Friday (40 hours per week), with personnel adhering to the UK Working Time Directive. Some shift work is expected to maintain operational effectiveness. The position offers exciting deployment possibilities throughout Europe, supporting NATO alliance partners' MQ‑9B training initiatives. Employment will be dependent on passing a CAA/FAA Class 1 Medical or equivalent European Aviation Safety Authority medical. A relocation package will be provided to assist non‑UK individuals to move to the UK.
Expressions of Interest should clearly state relevant experience including:
- Total flying hours (crewed & uncrewed including by aircraft types).
- MALE RPAS flying hours.
- Date of last recorded flight.
- Full details of instructional qualifications and teaching experience.
- Do you hold (or have you done so in the past) a NATO security clearance?
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the required background and are interested in joining a high‑performing team, supporting the delivery of exceptional award‑winning products and services to our customers, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please click apply and follow the instructions to upload your CV. Please note that we are part of the QinetiQ group and you will be taken to the QinetiQ careers website in order to complete your application.
BENEFITS
- 30 days paid holiday plus 8 days bank holidays per year.
- Uncapped paid leave scheme (upon successful completion of probation period).
- Company provided private medical and dental insurance.
- QinetiQ Share Incentive Scheme.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Annual profit and performance related pay scheme.
- Death in service (x4 salary).
- Company contributions into a group personal pension scheme.
- Business travel insurance.
- Tax efficient cycle to work and charitable giving schemes.
- Tax efficient electric vehicle company car scheme.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Inzpire are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for current and prospective employees. We recognise that a diverse, talented and highly motivated workforce is pivotal to our continuing success, therefore our selection decisions are based on the merit of the individual, irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic. We genuinely recognise the benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, a supportive signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Gold award winner within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We are therefore delighted to offer a guaranteed interview scheme to service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners (including those of service leavers) who meet all our advertised requirements.
Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Sensor Operator Instructor in Lincoln employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
Inzpire is an award-winning defence and technology company located in Lincoln, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 30 days of paid holiday, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth through training and development. Our inclusive culture and recognition as Employer of the Year make Inzpire an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Sensor Operator Instructor in Lincoln
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with QINETIQ LIMITED for a Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Sensor Operator Instructor. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Sensor Operator Instructor in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at QINETIQ LIMITED, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At QINETIQ LIMITED, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with QINETIQ LIMITED.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with QINETIQ LIMITED. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like QINETIQ LIMITED love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
