Functional Integration Engineer

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is seeking a SPEAR 3 Functional Integration Proving Engineer in Stevenage. In this role, you'll design and execute trials for advanced weapon systems, analyze data, and ensure product compliance with stringent requirements. The position requires strong engagement with hardware and software integration, alongside a methodical and detail-oriented approach. Competitive salary and hybrid working arrangement offered.

Benefits

Employee-led networks

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive recruitment process

Qualifications

• Experience or interest in scripting and coding.
• Proactive and dynamic individual capable of managing workload.
• Inquisitive nature with a creative approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Design functional test setups for trials.
• Lead or support trials readiness reviews.
• Coordinate complex trials and ensure integrity of results.
• Execute tests using real hardware.
• Record and analyze trial data accurately.
• Report findings to enhance understanding of product.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Attention to detail

Data analysis proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Familiarity with lab equipment

Education

Higher education in Electronics, Electrical, RF, Physics, Software

Tools

Python

Matlab

Job description

Overview

SPEAR 3 Functional Integration Proving Engineer. Are you a hands-on engineer with an eye for detail and a passion for knowing how things work? Are you ready to prove the performance of cutting-edge defence technology? Join a dynamic team where you'll be proving weapon subsystem products do what we say they do!

Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience.

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to classification and working with real hardware.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. 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 Security Clearance (SC) checks which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

The Opportunity

The Integration and Missile Validation department is looking for a talented engineer to join our mission to achieve the Certificate of Design for a new UK Weapon System. You will be instrumental in demonstrating that the SPEAR 3 Weapon is fit-for-purpose and operates correctly. SPEAR 3 is an important Weapon System programme advancing through the first customer capability requirement and also on to new variants for additional UK and export platforms.

Reporting to the Functional Integration Proving Lead, you will be responsible for planning, conducting and reporting on trials across the system and subsystem design to support verification of the electrical, physical and functional compatibility.

You will

• Design trials: Design functional test setups and specify the necessary test methodology and stimuli to meet the requirements of complex model-derived use case / test cases.
• Prepare for trial: Lead or support trials readiness reviews, ensuring all test hardware, software, and facilities are prepared and all aspects, including safety, are assessed and documented.
• Coordinate: Manage and configure complex trials, ensure integrity and accuracy of data and results in a rapidly changing environment.
• Execute tests: Be hands-on in supporting the physical test setup and work-up of design aid proving, robustness and formal qualification tests using real hardware test rigs in our dedicated labs.
• Record comprehensively: Produce accurate logs of all proving activities, raising issues in a timely and detailed way.
• Analyse data: Record and meticulously analyse trial data to support the verification that the system meets its stringent requirements.
• Report findings: Articulate test data and results to support the product's development and wider stakeholder understanding of the product/design.
• Support certification: Provide critical data and reports to support the formal clearance and certification of our products for use.
• Interface: You will work closely between the software and equipment design teams with the deep knowledge of how the product operates and behaves in practice.
• Communicate: Ensuring seamless coordination and information flow throughout the integration.
• Develop Capability: Within the IMV department, there will be opportunities for passionate individuals to support the development and growth of specialist integration skills and capability, tools and technology.

What we're looking for from you

• A practically minded and hands-on engineer with a passion for integrating and testing hardware and software.
• Familiarity using general, commercial lab test equipment.
• A keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to planning, executing, and documenting technical activities.
• Communication skills to effectively interface with design, software, test equipment and systems teams.
• Familiarity using data analysis tools and methods with complex technical data.
• An inquisitive nature and a creative approach to problem-solving to derive logical solutions, particularly in complex and challenging scenarios.
• A dynamic and proactive individual who can manage their workload
• Someone who is looking for a new challenge/opportunity, with a growth mindset and ability to shape, improve and progress test and proving approaches and methodologies.
• Higher education or strong knowledge in: Electronics, Electrical, RF, Physics, Software or similar.

• Experience or interest in developing skills in scripting and coding (e.g. Python, Matlab and similar).

Our Business

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.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability 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.

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