Laser Directed Energy Engineer

MBDA Careers; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Pension plan

Paid overtime

Flexi leave

Flexible working

Parental leave

Site facilities

Healthcare plan

Job summary

MBDA is expanding its laser-directed energy team in the UK and seeks engineers/physicists to advance simulation and experimental work. Roles split between modelling (simulation & physics) and building (experimental labs) to push the boundaries of laser tech with national security impact.

You will use Matlab/Python for simulations or lead lab experiments, collaborating with partners across the UK and Europe. This is a hybrid role with some on-site work.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Physics/Optics required.
• Experience with modelling tools Matlab, Python, Zemax, or LabVIEW.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or photonics.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulations of laser propagation and system performance.
• Design and execute complex laboratory experiments to validate concepts.
• Collaborate with UK and international partners and support field trials.

Skills

Innovative thinker

Problem solving

Strong communication

Analytical mindset

Education

PhD or MSc in Physics/Optics

Tools

Matlab

Python

Zemax

LabVIEW

Job description

Help Us Turn Science Fiction into Reality: Laser Directed Energy Engineers

Salary: Circa £53,000 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

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• 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…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity:

Sparkworks is a specialist team that develops cutting-edge solutions, particularly in RF and Laser Directed Energy Weapons, and Low Observable Technologies. High demand from various partners across the armed forces community makes this an incredibly exciting time to join us.

We are expanding our Lasers team and are looking for talented engineers/physicists to help us push the boundaries of what is possible. We aren't looking for people to simply follow a manual, we are looking for innovators who can work from a blank sheet of paper to determine the technical possibilities that will define the requirements of tomorrow.

The Roles: Two Complementary Paths

Depending on where your strengths lie, you will lean into one of two key areas within the lasers team:

The Modeller (Simulation & Physics): You are the one who sees the math before the machine. You'll focus on the underlying physics of laser propagation, using Matlab or Python to build the simulations that predict how our technology will behave in the real world.

The Builder (Experimental & Lab): You are the one who makes it tangible. You'll design and build complex laboratory experiments, applying the scientific method to test hypotheses and prove that the theory works in practice. While you will lead in one area, both roles involve a mixture of design, lab work, and the opportunity to see your work put to the test in field trials.

This is a rare opportunity to work with high-powered laser systems at a scale seldom found outside of a handful of organisations globally. Operating with a research-driven mindset, you will tackle complex, high-stakes intellectual challenges that have a direct impact on national security and the protection of UK Armed Forces. Beyond the lab, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional reach through collaboration with key UK and international partner organisations and our European offices.

What we're looking for from you:

We value a curious mind and the ability to thrive in an environment where the path forward isn't always mapped out.

• An innovator, who enjoy the process of exploration and the challenge of working without a strict set of requirements.
• A problem solver, capable of taking a complex engineering challenge and iterating to a viable solution.
• A good foundation in Physics/Optics via a PhD, a Masters, or significant practical experience, that gives you a deep understanding of the behaviour of light.
• The ability to communicate your ideas and outcomes clearly.
• Experience with modelling tools (e.g. Matlab, Python, Zemax, or LabView) or a track record of building experimental setups from scratch.
• Experience in the defence, aerospace, or photonics sectors.

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