Electro-Optical Design Engineer

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is seeking an Electro-Optical Design Engineer. The role involves designing and developing Electro-Optical imaging systems and collaborating with a skilled team on complex weapon programs. Candidates should have experience in optical design, with proficiency in tools like Zemax and CAD software. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £55,000 and dynamic working arrangements, with a minimum of 3 days on-site per week.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience in optical design and related engineering activities.
• Ability to engage with customers and stakeholders.
• Desirable: experience with Engineering Tools like Jira, IBM EWM, and DOORS Next.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Electro-Optical imaging systems.
• Perform optical and opto-mechanical design.
• Engage with a broad range of partners.

Skills

Optical design

Collaboration

Performance modelling

Understanding of optical radiation

CAD tools

Tools

Zemax

PTC Creo

Matlab

Simulink

Jira

Job description

Overview

We have an opportunity to join our Seeker Design Department as an Electro-Optical Design Engineer, supporting the design, development and delivery of Electro-Optical Seekers, sensors and optical systems. The role involves providing specialist Electro-Optical Sensor design support across MBDA's complex weapon programmes, from specification and assessment through to delivery and support. You will work within a multi-disciplinary, highly skilled team and collaborate with customers and stakeholders across engineering disciplines, with a focus on optical design within broader electro-optical systems. The position supports ongoing professional development and seeks to balance work with life across a dynamic environment.

We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, with Dynamic Working policies to support hours and location flexibility, and may include paid overtime or time in lieu depending on role.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of imaging and non-imaging Electro-Optical imaging systems.
• Optical and opto-mechanical design, including performance modelling, alignment and tolerancing.
• Use of optical design tools such as Zemax or equivalent.
• Understand the physics of optical radiation, propagation and detection, particularly in the infrared wave-bands.
• Engage with a broad range of partners and forge strategic technical relationships; deliver on-time in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues across engineering disciplines to ensure balanced solutions that meet customer needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in optical design and related engineering activities; ability to work both independently and as part of a design team.
• Able to engage with customers and stakeholders across a range of programmes.
• Desirable but not essential: experience with Engineering Tools such as Jira, IBM EWM and DOORS Next, Matlab and Simulink.
• Experience in CAD tools (e.g., PTC Creo) for optical and mechanical elements.
• Experience in designing and developing laser-based optical systems.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on experience.
• Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically a minimum of 3 days per week on-site, depending on workload.
• Security Clearance: British Citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship; BPSS checks after offer stage.
• Company bonus up to £2,500 (based on company performance).
• Pension contributions: up to 14% total employer/employee; opportunity to increase contributions by up to 2%.
• Paid overtime, Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days, and Flexible working arrangements.
• Enhanced parental leave provisions, including extended pay options for maternity, adoption, shared parental, paternity and neonatal leave.
• Healthcare provisions: Healthcare Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance options, and other health and wellbeing benefits.
• Other benefits: Life and financial wellbeing options, discounts, and lifestyle programs.

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. All MBDA employees are required to hold UK Security or BPSS Clearance.