Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bristol is seeking a Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer to work on developing and evaluating navigation algorithms as part of wider systems solutions. The role offers insight into guided weapon systems and requires strong programming skills, ideally with a PhD or degree in a relevant field. This position provides a competitive salary up to £55,000 and a dynamic hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14% total contribution

Opportunity for paid overtime

Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills, including MATLAB.
• Ideally PhD-qualified or has a degree with a strong mathematical focus.
• Experience in programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification.

Responsibilities

• Research studies for future developments.
• Support missile feasibility and concept studies.
• Develop algorithms for assessment and development programs.

Skills

Strong programming skills, including MATLAB

Knowledge of state-of-the-art navigation algorithms

Experience in programming, real-time implementation

Strong mathematical focus

Education

PhD in relevant field

Degree in Aerospace, Control, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics

Job description

Our Navigation Algorithm Design Engineers work on fast-moving projects to develop and evaluate navigation algorithms, involved in researching, developing, testing, and evaluating algorithms as part of wider systems solutions at MBDA.

Salary: Up to £55,000, depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 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. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance, varies year to year)
• Pension: Up to 14% total contribution (employer and employee)
• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave; enhancements available for paternity, neonatal leave, and fertility treatments
• Facilities: Subsidised meals, free parking, and more

The opportunity:

The Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic team within the Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) department, working across various contract and research activities impacting multiple areas within MBDA.

Navigation algorithms are central to MBDA’s guided weapon systems. This role offers insight into how GCN supports weapon system products and interacts with related disciplines.

Algorithms are developed throughout the lifecycle, including:

• Research studies, both external and internal, for future developments
• Algorithms supporting missile feasibility and concept studies
• Algorithms for assessment and development programs
• Upgrades for in-service products

What we're looking for from you:

• Strong programming skills, including MATLAB
• Ideally PhD-qualified with relevant industrial experience, or a degree with a strong mathematical focus (e.g., Aerospace, Control, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics)
• Experience in programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification, and navigation
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art navigation algorithms, design, evaluation, and testing is highly advantageous

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to supporting the Armed Forces and defending our nations. We value diversity and inclusion, with employee networks for Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, and more.

We encourage candidates to speak with us for support or adjustments during recruitment. Follow us on LinkedIn, X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK), Glassdoor, or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.