Head of Laser DEW Capabilities

MBDA; West of England; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Site facilities

Private medical insurance

Job summary

MBDA is seeking a dynamic leader to drive the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Capabilities team, delivering large and small programmes while coordinating across multi-disciplinary projects. The role focuses on leadership, strategy, and innovation in LDEW tech within a growing MBDA UK framework.

The successful candidate will manage a high-performing team, engage with industry and government partners, and ensure effective delivery across complex work packages, including international

Qualifications

• Engineering/physics background required.
• Experience with laser (DEW) technologies.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Experience delivering small programmes or complex work packages.
• Understanding of programme lifecycles and R&D funding processes.

Responsibilities

• 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 projects from concept to implementation.
• Driving MBDA UK Sovereign and International LDEW internal research programmes.
• Strategic planning and setting vision for LDEW technologies.
• Fostering academic partnerships via the Energy Technology Hub.
• Providing technical leadership in Industry-Government collaboration.
• Representing MBDA UK at NATO groups and NIAGs in LDEW domain.

Skills

Engineering background

Physics background

Laser DEW

People management

Communication skills

Programme delivery

Strategic planning

Education

Engineering or physics degree

Job description

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

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. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undertake 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 21% of base salary
• 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
• Private Medical Insurance: Eligible employees are enrolled as standard into the company funded Private Medical Insurance benefit.

The opportunity:

The ideal candidate will be someone who has knowledge of Laser (DEW) systems and passion for both people management and leadership, as well as experience of delivering small programmes or complex work packages.

There are two streams of specialist scientist/engineers in Laser DEW Capabilities -focused on the delivery of the DragonFIre MDC LDEW system into service, and driving a varied set of 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, driving progress from concept through to implementation while navigating technical, operational, and international challenges
• Driving the MBDA UK Sovereign and International LDEW internal research programmes
• Strategic planning, contributing to the technical direction of LDEW technologies, setting vision and driving innovation
• Fostering Academic partnerships via the Energy Technology Hub
• Technical leadership in Industry-Government collaboration
• Representing MBDA UK at NATO working groups and NIAGs in the LDEW domain

What we are looking for from you:

• An engineering / physics background with experience of weapons systems
• In depth understanding and experience of laser (DEW) technologies and systems
• Effective people management skills and leadership behaviours
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Proven experience of delivering small programmes or complex task packages
• Understanding of programme lifecycles and of Research & Development funding processes

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.

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