Laser Systems Engineer

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is seeking candidates for a role focused on developing cutting-edge laser technology for a new air defense system. The ideal applicant will have a PhD or equivalent experience, and a strong background in laser physics and optics. Responsibilities include supporting technical mediation and maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders. The position offers a salary of up to £53,000, with opportunities for hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

Up to 15 additional days flexi leave

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of laser physics and the ability to contribute to system design.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience with high-power laser technology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop laser technology for a cutting-edge air defense system.
• Communicate complex ideas and issues at all levels.
• Build working relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Laser technology development

Laser physics and optics

Technical communication

Relationship building

Problem-solving

Education

PhD or equivalent industry experience

Tools

DOORS

Rhapsody

Job description

If you are looking for a career at the cutting edge, delivering a first of its kind technology of great strategic and national importance, then apply to DragonFire today!

Salary: Up to £53,000, depending on experience/grade

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
• 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.

With the recent award of the DragonFire Contract, MBDA will be delivering the first ever Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) onto Royal Navy warships within the next 2 years.

Following on from these successes, MBDA is looking for flexible, motivated, and technically astute candidates to continue to develop DragonFire into a world class, deployable, LDEW air defence system. Our ambitious plans involve parallel and interleaved streams of pioneering technology, experimentation and rapid weapon system development, providing opportunities across the key weapon system domains of Systems Engineering: requirements, design, performance analysis and certification.

What we are looking for

• PhD or industry experience in the development of laser technology at a system level
• In-depth understanding of laser physics and optics, with the ability to influence and contribute to the design and development of a cutting-edge laser system and technology
• Ability to support technical mediation, communicating issues, architectures and ideas at all levels
• Demonstrated ability in technical mediation, communicating complex laser and optics concepts, architectures, and ideas effectively at all levels, from high‑level management and technical experts to systems engineering specialists and non‑technical stakeholders
• Ability to develop excellent working relationships with partners and customers/key stakeholders as well as team members and other departments
• A passion for problem‑solving, persistence, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality results

Desirable/Advantageous Experience

• Experience with high‑power laser technology / laser systems
• Requirements analysis, specifications and justification
• Systems proving, design assurance and certification
• Experience of developing complex systems, ideally in defence
• Support functional design with requirement flow down through system/sub‑system/equipment
• Experience of system architecting tools e.g. DOORS/DOORS NG/Rhapsody

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.