Placement project:
The student will join QinetiQʼs consulting team and undertake a research project that will contribute delivering meaningful and innovative progress at pace to our customers.
The key research question is: How can the UK leverage innovation-driven methods and procurement reform to
strengthen national technological sovereignty, resilience and global competitiveness?
The key output of the project will be a research report, but we are open to new and innovative ideas from the student to ensure the knowledge gained is embedded within the consulting team. The student will be expected to conduct a literature review and user research to identify and understand commonly used innovation models and procurement processes currently implemented by government and national security industry.
Following the initial phase of research, the student will be expected to focus on at least one of the following:
- Impact analysis – provide recommendations for approaching technological sovereignty and the associated innovative practices and procurement methods required to achieve such recommendations
- Future analysis – Taking a socioeconomic approach, we would like the team to innovate and consider the challenges and opportunities of technological sovereignty.
- Policy evaluation – Evaluate current UK innovation and national security policies and provide at least three recommendations, with reasoning, for promoting adoption of best innovation practices to achieve technological sovereignty through policy.
Through this work, the student will be expected to engage with and support the technology policy horizon scanning team.
A more in-depth project outline will be provided at the start of the placement.
Anticipated benefits for the student
During this placement, the student will develop a strong blend of analytical, technical and problem-solving skills in the context of private industry and government. They will build skills in policy analysis and critical thinking, learning how to interpret complex policies and regulations and translate them into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders. The placement will deepen their knowledge of the technology policy landscape within a national security context, and further their understanding of how current frameworks impact customer objectives and operations.
Through on-the-job training and mentorship, the student will gain practical experience contributing to real-world policy reviews, briefings and recommendations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. This will equip them with a customer-focused perspective and hands-on experience in aligning policy with operational and strategic needs.
Host organisation
QinetiQ are a defence and security company delivering mission-critical solutions that protect lives and help organisations stay ahead in an increasingly complex and contested world.
With a history rooted in scientific excellence and a passion for innovation, we’re shaping the future of defence.
Our scientific and technological expertise, proven research capabilities and unique, purpose-built facilities enable us to meet the needs of a wide range of global customers.
We work closely with governments, armed forces and industry to solve complex challenges across land, sea, air, space and cyber, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Skills and experience required for the role
It is expected that the student team has a general understanding of geopolitics and knowledge of technology within a national security context.
However, it is acknowledged that perspectives and insights offered by other disciplines is valuable. Experience working in innovation would be useful but not required.
Working arrangements and location of the placement
Duration of placement: 3 months (12 weeks)
Start Date: negotiable from June 2026.
Working pattern: Full-time, (37 hours per week)
Working arrangements: Flexible for remote, hybrid or in person.
Location: QinetiQ has offices in London and Malvern.
How to apply
This project is restricted to nationals of Five Eyes and NATO countries.
Application deadline: 27th May 2026
Submit a cover letter and CV to Jane Wright: jane.wright@qinetiq.com
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.
Successful applicants will have to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. This is the UK governmentʼs minimum pre-employment screening standard for staff accessing sensitive assets, systems, or site information.