Laser Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK is seeking candidates to develop cutting-edge laser technology for maritime defense systems. This role requires expertise in laser systems, effective communication, and a passion for innovation. Successful candidates will work on pioneering projects while enjoying a dynamic hybrid work environment with competitive benefits. Apply to make a significant impact on national defense technology.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Maximum total pension contribution of up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

Up to 15 additional flexi leave days

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• PhD or significant industry experience in laser technology development.
• In-depth understanding of laser physics and optics, contributing to system design.
• Ability to support technical mediation for effective communication.

Skills

Development of laser technology at a system level

Understanding of laser physics and optics

Technical mediation

Problem-solving

Education

PhD or relevant 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 systems 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.