Laser Optics Research Engineer

MBDA Miissle System; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking defence organisation as a scientist/engineer working on high energy lasers in Bristol. This dynamic role involves a blend of design, lab work, and field trials, contributing to cutting-edge technology for the UK armed forces. You will be part of a diverse team, pushing the boundaries of laser directed energy research. With opportunities for career progression and involvement in high-visibility projects, this position offers a unique chance to innovate and make a real impact. If you are passionate about turning science fiction into reality, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

Flexi Leave of up to 15 additional days

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals

Free car parking

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in prototype design and laboratory testing of optical assemblies.
• Ability to innovate and design solutions to complex engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on new techniques for laser pointing and tracking.
• Work in a team to deliver technology for the UK armed forces.

Skills

Laboratory skills using lasers

Optics and imaging knowledge

Creativity and innovation

Design and simulation skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Higher degree in physics (Masters or PhD)

Tools

Matlab

Zemax

LabView

Job description

MBDA is the lead for the UK laser directed energy programme DragonFire. A vacancy has arisen for a scientist/engineer to work in Bristol on the research and development of high energy lasers.

Salary: Up to £52,000, depending on experience

Location: Bristol (We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)

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: 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
• 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.
• Training and Development: Excellent career progression, training and career development opportunities

The opportunity:

The role will offer a mixture of design, lab work and field trials and you will work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment delivering technology for the next generation of capability to the UK armed forces.

The successful applicant will be experienced in the prototype design and laboratory testing of optical assemblies. Speed, creativity and the ability to experiment will be key to the role, and you will conduct research on new techniques for laser pointing and tracking and be at the forefront of laser directed energy research.

You will become part of a diverse team of highly motivated scientists and engineers, who want to turn science fiction into reality by getting high energy lasers into service with the UK MoD as quickly as possible!

What's in it for you?

• Work on a high visibility and fast-paced project with the opportunity to quickly accelerate your career through the organisation
• Be at the forefront of laser directed energy in the UK
• Contribute to high-level VIP visits in support of senior management
• Opportunity to travel in Europe supporting MBDA Group research activities
• Opportunity to attend conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field
• Undertaking this role you would be joining a dynamic, focused team responsible for the development of our future business

What we're looking for from you:

• Industry experience and knowledge / laboratory skills using lasers, optics and imaging.
• Ideally holding a higher degree (e.g. Masters or PhD) in physics, however practical experience is as important as qualifications.
• Creativity, imagination and the ability to innovate
• Ability to design, build, simulate and test new solutions to complex engineering problems
• Ability to write physics/engineering simulations as part of the design process (such as Matlab, Zemax)
• Ability to automate and control test & measurement equipment for data capture (such as LabView)
• Record of successful technical work delivered individually and/or as part of a team
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and often from a blank sheet of paper

Interested? Click Apply Now!

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 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.