Waltham, Massachusetts, September 11, 2025
News Summary
QinetiQ, Inc. has extended its lease for 49,260 square feet of research and development space at 358 2nd Avenue in Waltham, MA. The extension reinforces QinetiQ’s commitment to its operations in the Greater Boston R&D market, which is notable for its concentration of life sciences and technology firms. Hillside Associates owns the property, with R.W. Holmes serving as the owner’s representative. The lease not only symbolizes stability for QinetiQ but also reflects ongoing demand for R&D space in this thriving innovation corridor.
Waltham, MA
QinetiQ, Inc. has extended its lease for 49,260 square feet of research and development space at 358 2nd Avenue in Waltham, Massachusetts. The lease extension secures continued operations for the U.S. arm of the UK-based QinetiQ Group plc in a core Greater Boston R&D submarket. The building is owned by Hillside Associates, and the lease transaction was completed with leasing representation on behalf of the owner and tenant.
Key transaction details
The leased premises total 49,260 sq ft of modern, adaptable space configured to support high-technology research and development activities. R.W. Holmes acted on behalf of the property owner, with Senior Vice President Arthur Amadei representing Hillside Associates in the transaction. QinetiQ, Inc. was represented by Adam Schindler, Vice Chair at Colliers’ Washington, D.C. office, and Jason Rexinis from Colliers’ Boston office. The extension reflects QinetiQ’s decision to maintain and strengthen its presence in Waltham’s R&D market.
Location and market context
The property is situated in the heart of Waltham’s technology corridor, providing close access to major highways and transit routes that connect to the broader Greater Boston region. The area is noted for its concentration of life sciences and technology firms and provides access to a highly educated workforce. These locational advantages are common factors driving demand for R&D space in established innovation markets like Waltham.
Operational significance
QinetiQ, Inc. supplies mission-led innovation to defense, security, and intelligence customers. Maintaining a sizable R&D footprint in Waltham enables the company to continue development and testing activities close to a regional talent pool and supply chain tailored to advanced technology and defense-related work. The lease renewal signals a longer-term commitment to local operations in a region viewed as strategically important for high-tech R&D.
Implications for the local R&D market
The transaction underlines ongoing leasing demand for research and development space across Greater Boston. Established submarkets such as Waltham benefit from ready access to specialized employees, proximity to academic institutions, and an ecosystem of related firms that together support innovation activity. Owners and landlords in these markets often position buildings as flexible, lab-capable, and adaptable to attract and retain technology and life sciences tenants.
Property features
- Address: 358 2nd Avenue, Waltham, MA
- Space leased: 49,260 square feet
- Owner: Hillside Associates
- Use: Research and development, high-technology operations
- Market: Waltham technology corridor, Greater Boston R&D submarket
Representation
R.W. Holmes represented Hillside Associates in the lease transaction. QinetiQ, Inc. engaged Colliers representatives from both the Washington, D.C. and Boston offices for tenant-side representation. The combined brokerage involvement reflects the complexity and market-specific knowledge often required for R&D lease transactions.
Background on the tenant
QinetiQ, Inc. is the U.S. business unit of QinetiQ Group plc, a company focused on delivering innovation for defense, security, and intelligence clients. Its operations typically involve applied research, development, testing, and engineering services. The continued presence of QinetiQ in Waltham contributes to the cluster of firms conducting advanced research in the region.
Why this matters
Securing long-term leases from established defense and technology tenants helps stabilize revenue for property owners and supports the broader innovation ecosystem in cities like Waltham. For employers and employees, such renewals preserve local job opportunities and access to specialized facilities that are not always available in general office buildings.
FAQ
What space was leased and where is it located?
The lease extension covers 49,260 square feet of research and development space at 358 2nd Avenue in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Who is the tenant?
The tenant is QinetiQ, Inc., the U.S. arm of QinetiQ Group plc, a company serving defense, security, and intelligence customers.
Who owns the property?
The property is owned by Hillside Associates.
Who represented the parties in the lease transaction?
R.W. Holmes, represented by Senior Vice President Arthur Amadei, acted for the owner. Colliers representatives Adam Schindler (Washington, D.C.) and Jason Rexinis (Boston) represented the tenant.
Why is the location important?
Waltham’s technology corridor offers proximity to major highways, access to a well-educated workforce, and a growing ecosystem of life sciences and technology firms, all of which make it attractive for R&D operations.
What does this transaction indicate about the market?
The lease extension highlights continued demand for R&D space in Greater Boston, particularly in established innovation markets such as Waltham.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tenant | QinetiQ, Inc. (U.S. arm of QinetiQ Group plc) |
| Leased Space | 49,260 sq ft |
| Address | 358 2nd Avenue, Waltham, MA |
| Owner | Hillside Associates |
| Owner’s Representative | R.W. Holmes (Arthur Amadei) |
| Tenant’s Representatives | Colliers (Adam Schindler, Jason Rexinis) |
| Primary Use | Research & development for defense, security, and intelligence work |
| Market | Waltham technology corridor, Greater Boston R&D submarket |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AstraZeneca Invests $3.5 Billion in Cambridge Expansion
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Philip Jackson Obituary
- Wikipedia: Waltham, Massachusetts
- Legacy: Janice Ward Obituary
- Google Search: Waltham technology park
- Lowell Sun: Paul D. Sullivan Obituary
- Google Scholar: research and development space Waltham MA
- Patriot Ledger: IntelyCare News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: defense technology
- Legacy: Joseph Florio Obituary
- Google News: innovation in defense security
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
