James

Job Title: Communication Scientist
University Attended: Imperial College London

1. What is your current role?

I'm a Communication Scientist working in the Maritime & Network Communications Business Group. I design systems and software, mainly for use in the maritime environment, but occasionally for the commercial market. I'm also heavily involved in graduate and new starter activities, helping to encourage prospective employees and then offering support and social events once they join the company. I work in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the south coast overlooking Portsmouth, The Solent and The Isle of Wight.

2. When and why did you choose QinetiQ?

I applied to QinetiQ in early 2004, whilst in my final year of studying. My interview and job offer were confirmed before my finals were complete, so I could start work straight after my degree. I chose QinetiQ because of two recommendations. One was from my department at University who hold QinetiQ in high regard. The other was from a colleague on my course who had taken a summer placement with QinetiQ and enjoyed it very much. Both said that QinetiQ is a great place to work with a strong technical reputation and a huge range of projects.

3. What's your typical day?

There is no typical day for me. My work varies greatly depending upon the project I am involved with. I've recently been representing QinetiQ at the International CWID demonstrations, where many defence companies come together to showcase their technical achievements. I was demonstrating our ability to use HF communications between two ships, and the event enabled me to gain experience into many aspects of the military communications world.

On another day, I might be developing software to analyse communication systems - figuring out how to get ships and submarines to communicate effectively. On other days, I may be visiting local schools to encourage children to choose science-based subjects for further study or liaising with representatives from Universities regarding graduate marketing and corporate sponsorship.

4. Why should graduates join QinetiQ?

QinetiQ has a great deal to offer potential graduate employees. There's really no limit to the areas that individuals can get involved in. We offer jobs in everything from software development to psychology, so there's a job for everyone. QinetiQ offers a good starting package for graduates and there's an established network of new graduates giving support and arranging social activities for new starters.

5. What is the most impressive invention/technology/innovation that QinetiQ have created?

I've been very impressed by Tarsier. It's a system for detecting debris on runways and will help to cut the number of air-traffic related incidents. Anything that can prevent an incident such as the Concorde disaster has to be worth a mention. And of course, we also invented the Liquid Crystal Display and flat panel speakers.

6. Which are the most interesting projects you have worked on?

A project known as MTNC2 (Maritime Tactical Networks Command & Control), where we've designed a system to allow ships to communicate seamlessly with one another from anywhere in the world. It allows any ship with very basic communication equipment to have permanent communication capability, even when it is on the other side of the world. It's a huge project that's allowed me to develop my career in many different areas.

7. What's the culture like at QinetiQ?

The culture is one of QinetiQ's greatest assets. All of my colleagues are friendly and supportive and there is always someone to go to for advice or help on a problem. Work is usually completed in project teams constructed from people with a range of skills and experience.

The working conditions are good with many sites located in pleasant rural surroundings and the hours are somewhat flexible, allowing individuals to fit their work around their home life and other interests.