Complex Projects Lead - Effects and Vulnerability

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Effects and Vulnerability is the part of MBDA Sparkworks which determines the effectiveness of novel weapons. This role is specific to the lasers part of the group.

Job Title: Complex Projects Lead – Effects and Vulnerability

Salary: up to £58,000 depending on experience

Location: Bristol (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: Sole British National only, due to the specific classification of this role.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

The Opportunity:

L-DEW E&V engineers develop mathematical models and simulations to predict the effectiveness of a Laser weapon system on a target.  Data gathered from trials and experiments investigating the physical effects of laser-matter interactions is used to calibrate and evolve these models, and outputs from the simulations are interpreted to understand the effects on a particular target.

Due to continued growth, the Sparkworks / DEW Effects and Vulnerability group have a vacancy for a project lead. In this role, the successful candidate will lead all aspects of complex technical projects, which are deemed critical to the success of emerging Laser DEW technology, leading small teams across several contracts ranging from Internally Funded Research and Development, to industry partnered studies and specific tasks on the high-profile DragonFire MDC project. There is a strong element of interfacing with the customer to elicit and translate customer requirements into concrete activities.  Ideally, this role will also contribute significantly to the creation and winning of new business in the area.

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent leadership skills
• A proven track record in delivering on time, cost and quality
• An appreciation of "trading requirements"
• The ability to manage budgets within a team environment
• The ability to develop individuals and high-performing teams
• An appreciation of bidding work
• An ability to simplify and codify complex system interactions
• This role requires a candidate to be or become DV cleared

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Complex system design in a deeply technical environment
• Translating tacit customer requirements into concrete activities
• Ansys Fluent, COMSOL or similar Multiphysics tool
• Matlab / Simulink

Apply now and take the next step in your engineering career!

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Training and Development: Excellent career progression, training and career development opportunities

Apply now and help us shape the future of defence technology!

Our Business:

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.