At a Glance
- Tasks: Train and instruct crews on flying the MQ-9B at RAF Waddington.
- Company: Join Inzpire, a leader in aviation training with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a share incentive scheme.
- Other info: Relocation support available for non-UK candidates; inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference by shaping the future of military aviation training.
- Qualifications: 500+ hours military flying experience and pilot instructor qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Inzpire is looking for pilots to become MQ‑9B (UK Protector RG1) Instructor Pilots at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. A significant increase in contractor flight crews is expected over the next five years. Suitable candidates available to commence roles in 2026 are welcomed; the contract is expected to start mid‑to‑late 2026 (subject to change).
Responsibilities
- Conversion training will be provided (if necessary).
- Once qualified on type, 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), adhering to the UK Working Time Directive.
- Some shift work is expected to maintain operational effectiveness, and overseas deployments may be required to support NATO partner MQ‑9B training initiatives.
Requirements
- 500+ hours military flying as a pilot (uncrewed & crewed)
- Pilot instructor qualification
- Previously held instrument rating
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS operations: MQ‑1, MQ‑9A, MQ‑9B or similar
- Employment will be dependent on passing a CAA/FAA Class 1 medical or an equivalent European Aviation Safety Authority medical.
Preferred Qualifications
- Total flying hours (crewed & uncrewed, including by aircraft type)
- MALE RPAS flying hours
- Date of last recorded flight and instrument rating
- Full details of instructional qualifications and teaching experience
- Your availability
- Hold (or have held) a NATO security clearance
Relocation
A relocation package will be provided to assist non‑UK individuals to move to the UK.
Application Process
Expressions of interest should clearly state relevant experience, including total flying hours, MALE RPAS flying hours, last recorded flight and instrument rating, instructional qualifications and teaching experience, availability and NATO security clearance status. Please click apply and follow the instructions to upload your CV. Note that applicants will be directed to the QinetiQ careers website to complete the 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 is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for current and prospective employees. Selection decisions are based on merit, irrespective of race, colour, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic. 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. A guaranteed interview scheme is offered to service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners who meet all advertised requirements.
Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Pilot Instructor in Lincoln employer: QinetiQ
Inzpire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, where you can thrive as an MQ-9B Pilot Instructor. With generous benefits such as 30 days of paid holiday, uncapped leave, and comprehensive medical insurance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity, Inzpire stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Pilot 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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We think you need these skills to ace Inzpire - Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Pilot Instructor in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at QinetiQ, 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, 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
✨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.
✨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. 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 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
