Head of Laser DEW Capabilities

MBDA Miissle System; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Pension

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Facilities

Private Medical Insurance

Job summary

MBDA is seeking a specialist scientist/engineer in Laser DEW capabilities to lead a high-performing team of scientists and engineers. The role focuses on delivering small programmes and complex work packages, while navigating technical, operational, and international challenges.

There are two streams of specialist roles: delivering the DragonFire MDC LDEW system into service and driving a broad set of research contracts.

Qualifications

• Engineering or physics background with weapons systems experience.
• Experience with laser (DEW) technologies and systems.
• Proven people management and leadership abilities.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Experience delivering small programmes or complex tasks.
• Understanding of lifecycle and R&D funding processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Laser DEW team across multiple projects.
• Oversee delivery from concept to implementation amidst technical and international challenges.
• Drive MBDA UK Sovereign and International LDEW research programmes.
• Contribute to technical direction and strategic planning for LDEW technologies.
• Foster academic partnerships via the Energy Technology Hub.
• Represent MBDA UK in NATO working groups and NIAGs.

Skills

Engineering background

Physics background

People management

Leadership

Communication skills

Programme management

Understanding of R&D funding processes

Job description

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 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 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.

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

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