Head of Laser DEW Capabilities

MBDA UK; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Bonus

Pension plan

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Site facilities

Private Medical Insurance

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking a proven leader to grow the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) capabilities. The role focuses on leading a specialist team, delivering complex programmes, and shaping the technical direction of LDEW technologies.

The ideal candidate will have an engineering/ physics background with weapons systems experience, strong leadership, and a track record in delivering multi-disciplinary projects, while navigating international collaboration and funding processes.

Qualifications

• Engineering/physics background with weapons systems experience.
• In-depth understanding of laser (DEW) technologies and systems.
• Proven experience delivering small programmes or complex task 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 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.

Skills

People management

Laser DEW knowledge

Programme delivery

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Engineering/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 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.

Role 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 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

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. What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets. Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.