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Fixed Wing Flight Test Instructor

QinetiQ

QinetiQ

England, UK · bournemouth, uk · England, UK · United Kingdom
Posted on Sep 27, 2025

Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role ID: SF18849

Are you ready to be part of the future? 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 Fixed Wing Flight Test Instructor at our MOD Boscombe Down site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role
As a Fixed Wing Flight Test Instructor, you will be responsible for developing the next generation of Test Pilots in the UK and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to utilise your deep SME knowledge and experience to deliver world-class training and instruction.

Day-to-day, you’ll be delivering instruction on the Empire Test Pilots’ School Fixed Wing course as well as deliver other flight crew tasks as directed by the Head of Flying such as flying flight test activity under QinetiQ's Flight Test Organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Delivering a range of long course and short course ground school lectures and in-flight instructional sorties to both Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer (FTE) students.
  • Assessing and grading ETPS student flying and reporting standards as well as mentoring and providing constructive debriefing / feedback, thereby enhancing flight safety and accelerating learning.
  • Timely and efficient delivery of other flight crew tasks such as consulting, flight test activity and special mission operations or others as directed by the QCFO Head of Flying.
  • Providing exemplary flight test tuition to ETPS students.
  • Contributing to the course development and modernisation of the ETPS course syllabuses and driving continuous improvement.
  • Teaching all aspects of flight test theory and practical techniques to experienced multi-national aircrew.

Essential experience of the Fixed Wing Flight Test Instructor:

  • Completed at least one tour (minimum 2 years) on a flight test department / squadron / unit, engaged on a range of significant projects
  • Completed at least 200 hrs Cat 1 or 2 flight tests (this may include flight test training)
  • A sound knowledge of aircraft performance, systems and stability & control
  • Ability to teach on the ground and instruct in the air
  • First rate organisational and administrative skills

Essential qualifications for the Fixed Wing Flight Test Instructor:

  • Graduate Fixed Wing Test Pilot
  • Medically fit to gain a CAA Class 1 Medical
  • UK CAA Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL) or Commercial Pilots' Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR) desirable

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 MOD Boscombe Down.


MOD Boscombe Down is a unique operational site featuring the longest military runway in the UK. Primarily focusing on providing testing, evaluation and support services for aviation and aerospace systems. Renowned for its extensive flight testing capabilities the site plays a vital role in the UK’s aviation defence contributing to the development, testing and airworthiness of military aircraft enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness.

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.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences 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 a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our 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

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, 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.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)