What QinetiQ US does

QinetiQ US is the United States operating subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc (London Stock Exchange: QQ), a global defense and security company founded in 1956 and headquartered in Lorton, Virginia with offices in Waltham MA, Devens MA, Franklin MA, Huntsville AL, and Pittsburgh PA. The company provides mission-led engineering and technology solutions to US Military, Department of Defense agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, organized around four core capability areas: ISR & Mission Operations (including Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance for the Strategic Capabilities Office and Space Development Agency), Information Advantage (full-stack web applications, embedded microcontrollers, and cyber capabilities), Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems (unmanned platforms across sea, land, and air), and Engineering & Innovation.

QinetiQ US generates revenue primarily through prime and subcontract positions on US Department of Defense contracts, with notable awards including a $224 million Space Development Agency contract for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture supporting over 140 advisors, engineers, and experts, and a 5-year Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) contract with DHS for border surveillance. The product portfolio centers on differentiated platforms including SPADE (a real-time operational insight and decision-support ecosystem), high-endurance aerostat surveillance systems operating up to 15,000 feet, and the OPFOR Sighting Unit System for tactical training. Approximately 1,572 employees support US operations, with go-to-market executed through enterprise field sales and contract-based procurement through government frameworks.

The firm operates within a broader QinetiQ Group ecosystem spanning the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Canada, participating in joint ventures including the Aurora Engineering Partnership for UK MOD's Defence Equipment & Support, the Weapons Sector Research Framework with 150+ partners, and the Team ACES aerostat consortium. The global group employs 6,000+ people, is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, and is not venture capital backed.

Name

QinetiQ US

Legal name

QinetiQ Limited

Website

https://us.qinetiq.com

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

QinetiQ US is the US subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, providing ISR mission operations, multi-domain autonomous systems, information advantage, and engineering services to US Military, DoD agencies, and Department of Homeland Security customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense and Security Technology Services

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Security Management Platforms Integration (PSIM/SOC, Command & Control) (BPAKAGAH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH)

Keywords

• Defense engineering services
• ISR mission operations
• Autonomous systems defense
• Aerostat surveillance platforms
• Systems engineering technical assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Lorton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Defense Contracts: Prime and subcontract positions on US Department of Defense contracts including SETA services, ISR mission operations, and systems engineering support. Major contracts include SDA (Space Development Agency) and SCO (Strategic Capabilities Office) support.
2. Aerostat Products and Services: Sale and support of aerostat surveillance platforms with modular payloads for defense and homeland security applications. Includes sustainment, maintenance, and lifecycle management services.
3. Autonomous Systems Products: Multi-domain unmanned robot systems for sea, land, and air domains supporting customer missions including counter-IED and hazardous environment operations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

QinetiQ US provides mission-led defense engineering and technology solutions to US Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and homeland security customers. Its offerings include Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission operations, Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), multi-domain autonomous systems spanning sea, land, and air, high-endurance tethered aerostat surveillance platforms, and decision-support software ecosystems (SPADE) that integrate weather, logistics, and security data for mission optimization.

Product overview

QinetiQ US provides mission-led, customer-focused engineering and innovative solutions organized around four core product areas: ISR & Mission Operations (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and mission support including SETA services), Information Advantage (full-stack applications and embedded systems), Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems (unmanned systems across sea, land, and air), and Engineering & Innovation (software and technology solutions). The portfolio includes specialized products such as TARS for border surveillance, SPADE for decision-support analytics, Aerostat Solutions for persistent aerial surveillance, and OPFOR training systems. These offerings integrate sensors, communications, autonomous platforms, and operational support services to address defense and national security requirements across tactical and strategic levels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Aurora Engineering Partnership: A partnership between QinetiQ, AtkinsRéalis, BMT, and Frazer-Nash Consultancy delivering the Engineering Delivery Partner (EDP) contract for UK MOD's Defence Equipment & Support.
• Vivace
• SPADE
• ETPS (Empire Test Pilots' School)
• Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF)
• Team ACES
• TARS

Products and services

• ISR & Mission Operations Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) solutions providing flexible, innovative, and comprehensive support for tactical and strategic national security challenges. Includes Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), programmatic support, advisory services, and broad DoD mission assistance for US military and defense/intelligence agencies.
• Information Advantage Full-stack web applications, embedded microcontrollers, and various technology solutions delivered by highly skilled engineers and developers to help clients maintain competitive advantage through software and information systems.
• Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems Unmanned robot systems spanning sea, land, and air domains for countering enemies, neutralizing explosive devices, and providing critical support in hazardous environments as trusted partners for defense customers.
• Engineering & Innovation State-of-the-art software and technology solutions including systems engineering, project management, and advanced analytics, enabling partners to field critical capabilities and stay ahead of the technological curve.
• TARS (Tethered Aerostat Radar System) Detection, tracking and monitoring capabilities delivering aerostat operations, air-surface radar operations, ground control, data networking systems monitoring, and analysis supporting counter-narcotics trafficking and air sovereignty missions under a 5-year contract for the Department of Homeland Security.
• Aerostat Solutions High-endurance tethered surveillance platforms providing 24/7 monitoring and real-time communications up to 15,000 feet altitude with modular payloads including EO/IR cameras, radar, and communications relays. Operated as part of Team ACES consortium providing full-service aerostat solutions including mission planning, sustainment, and decision-support.
• Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Expert advisory services supporting the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) with over 100 national defense experts and the Space Development Agency (SDA) with over 140 advisors for developing and accelerating near-term capabilities for defense agencies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of EDP contract outputs delivered on time, saving over £200m
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aurora Engineering PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComprising QinetiQ, AtkinsRéalis, BMT, and Frazer-Nash Consultancy, the Aurora Engineering Partnership delivers the Engineering Delivery Partner (EDP) contract for UK DE&S. Manages a network of hundreds of specialist providers for critical engineering requirements. SMEs deliver 23% of value with commitment to increase to 25%.
• WSRF Partner NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by QinetiQ with 150+ partners from academia, SMEs and wider weapons industry. Provides unified framework for complex, general and directed energy weapons R&T planning and delivery. SMEs and academia deliver over half of all tasks.
• EDP Provider NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of approximately 230 suppliers delivering critical engineering outcomes. 65% of network are SMEs. Promotes SME inclusivity with standardised contracting and enables greater pace, flexibility and agility.
• Team ACEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of partners providing advanced Aerostat solutions for global defense. QinetiQ US is a proud member providing full-service aerostat solutions including mission planning, sustainment, and SPADE decision-support.
• Home Office (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVivace has delivered the Home Office's Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) for nine years ending March 2026, guiding it from concept to pan-government innovation capability. Successfully delivered solutions in online child safety, counter-terrorism, cyber-crime, and NHS AI applications.
• UK Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Centre (JEWOSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry lead for Project SOCIETAS working in partnership with JEWOSC to oversee delivery of Electromagnetic Warfare Intelligence and Mission Data to UK frontline forces and allies.
• Australian SME SuppliersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 100 Australian SMEs in flexible partnership arrangements across the supply chain. Collaborative approach ensures delivery of complex projects on time and on budget.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Parsons Corporation: Defense and intelligence engineering services company providing mission solutions, space programs, and critical infrastructure protection — overlapping with QinetiQ US's space (SDA) and critical mission areas.
• CACI International: Provides defense and intelligence IT services, signals intelligence, and mission support to US DoD and intelligence community — directly competitive with QinetiQ US's National Security & Intelligence segment.
• Booz Allen Hamilton: Major management and technology consulting firm serving US defense, intelligence, and homeland security — comparable for SETA, advisory, and cyber/intelligence work.
• Leidos Holdings: Large-scale defense/IT services company offering ISR, mission operations, and SETA support to US DoD agencies — closely aligned with QinetiQ US's core ISR & Mission Operations portfolio.
• Peraton: Provides national security and intelligence services including ISR, space, cyber, and mission operations — directly comparable to QinetiQ US's defense and intelligence portfolio.
• Amentum: Government services and engineering company providing defense, intelligence, and civilian mission support — overlapping with QinetiQ US's mission operations and SETA service offerings.
• KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root): Provides science, technology, and engineering solutions to defense and government clients — comparable in mission support, engineering services, and defense R&D.
• SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation): Defense IT and engineering services company with deep SETA and systems engineering contracts with US Army, Navy, and intelligence agencies — directly comparable to QinetiQ US's SCO/SDA support work.

Emerging players

• Palantir Technologies: Software and data analytics company providing AI-driven decision-support platforms (Gotham, Foundry) to US DoD and intelligence agencies — directly competitive with QinetiQ's SPADE offering.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: Broader defense prime with ISR, communications, radar, and electronic systems across multiple domains — competitor in radar/aerostat ISR and broader defense electronics markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qinetiqus

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about QinetiQ US