Head of Laser DEW Capabilities

MBDA S.A.S.; Bagstone; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 21%

Pension up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Site facilities

Private Medical Insurance

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking a Head of Laser DEW Capabilities to lead a team of scientists and engineers in the Laser Directed Energy Weapon domain.

The role focuses on delivering complex packages, setting strategic direction, and managing multi-disciplinary projects across international collaborations.

Qualifications

• Engineering or physics background, preferable in weapons systems.
• Deep understanding of laser (DEW) technologies and systems.
• Proven experience delivering small programs or complex task packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing team of scientists and engineers in Laser DEW.
• Ensure delivery across multiple complex projects from concept to implementation.
• Drive internal R&D programmes and international collaboration in LDEW.
• Shape technical direction and vision for LDEW technologies.
• Foster partnerships with academia and industry to accelerate innovation.
• Represent MBDA UK in NATO work and related forums.

Skills

People management

Communication

Program delivery

Laser DEW technologies

Education

Engineering/Physics degree

Job description

Head of Laser DEW Capabilities

Date: 2026-10-17

Location: Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, GB, BS37 7NE

Contract Type: Any

Company: MBDA

Application Deadline: 2026-11-17T10:00:28.917

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the growth of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) capability within MBDA. We're looking for a passionate leader to take the LDEW Capabilities team to the next level, building on our recent successes in delivery and winning contracts.

Salary: Circa 72,000 depending on experience

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

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. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking 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 treatments
• Facilities: Excellent site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking, and more
• Private Medical Insurance: Eligible employees are enrolled as standard into the company-funded Private Medical Insurance benefit

The Opportunity:

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of Laser (DEW) systems and have a passion for both people management and leadership, as well as experience delivering small programs or complex work packages. There are two streams of specialist scientist/engineers in Laser DEW Capabilities—focused on delivering the DragonFire MDC LDEW system into service and managing various research and technology development contracts.

This Role Will Involve:

• Managing and developing a high-performing team of specialist scientists and engineers in the Laser DEW domain
• Overseeing and ensuring successful delivery across several complex and multi-disciplinary projects, from concept through to implementation, navigating technical, operational, and international challenges
• Driving the MBDA UK Sovereign and International LDEW internal research programmes
• Contributing to the technical direction of LDEW technologies through strategic planning and setting the vision
• Driving innovation and fostering academic partnerships via the Energy Technology Hub
• Providing technical leadership in industry-government collaboration
• Representing MBDA UK at NATO working groups and NIAGs in the LDEW domain

What We Are Looking For:

• An engineering or physics background with experience in weapons systems
• Deep understanding and experience with laser (DEW) technologies and systems
• Effective people management skills and leadership behaviors
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Proven experience delivering small programs or complex task packages
• Understanding of program lifecycles and R&D funding processes

About MBDA:

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the armed forces that protect our nations. We partner with governments to work towards a common goal—defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, including: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability, and more. We encourage everyone to speak to us if you require advice, support, or adjustments during 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.