Head of Image Processing

MBDA; Bristol; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MBDA is seeking a Head of Image Processing to drive AI and Computer Vision capabilities in defense applications, overseeing a team dedicated to producing world-leading algorithms. This hybrid role emphasizes leadership, innovation, and collaboration with diverse departments in a dynamic environment, while providing attractive benefits including significant bonuses and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Bonus of up to 35.5% of base salary

£510 monthly car allowance

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution up to 14%

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Track record of leading an engineering team in research and product development.
• Good technical appreciation of AI and Computer Vision.
• Ability to build relationships and network across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of algorithms for missile subsystems.
• Ensure team delivers effective AI solutions across projects.
• Collaborate with other departments for complex systems development.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Vision

People Management

Project Management

Job description

MBDA is looking for a Head of Image Processing delivering AI and Computer Vision capability to all MBDA UK products. This will involve working in a dynamic environment with a range of technical disciplines and projects, and leading the team to ensure development of worlds beating algorithms. The team delivers across multiple research and development projects, and has strong internal links with other MBDA Nat-Co.’s.

Salary: Circa £75,000 - £85,000 depending on experience

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

Security Clearance: British Citizen

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.

What we can offer you:

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 35.5% of base salary
• Car Allowance: £510 monthly allowance
• Private Medical insurance: Employee cover only
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• 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…

The opportunity:

As the Department Head, you will lead the team at an exciting time of growth and opportunity. The algorithms that the team will research, develop and evaluate will form part of the next generation of complex weapon systems.

You will be responsible for a department that produces world-beating algorithms that use imaging sensors to provide situational awareness, and guide weapons to their target with maximum precision. We have a detailed understanding of the interaction between missile subsystems and have a direct influence on meaningful design decisions.

We are a firm supporter of equal opportunity for all, and are proud to be a diverse engineering team. Image Processing UK is an innovative, cohesive department where the contributions of each individual have real value. As part of our team, you will benefit from an excellent working culture built on individual empowerment and mutual support.

What we're looking for from you:

• A good technical appreciation of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision
• An appreciation of the aerospace and defence industry and ideally MBDA products.
• A track record of leading an engineering team to deliver both research and product development.
• The ability to build good relationships and network across all levels of the organisation, and with external organisations.
• A demonstrable capability in people management.
• A demonstrable capability in project management, including the capability for planning and piloting change projects and skill or capability improvement projects.
• A keen curiosity about cutting-edge technologies and their applications

What's in it for you?

• This is a high profile role in a critical area for MBDA.
• You will play a key role in the development of our complex weapon systems
• You will collaborate with other departments from a broad range of subject areas
• You will be working on cutting-edge technological innovations
• You will have the opportunity to work within an international field that has strong links to MBDA sites in France and Germany that will provide the opportunity for European travel
• You will have the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences both nationally and internationally
• We invest in your success and have development, leadership and mentorship programmes available

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

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.