Senior Algorithm Engineer

MBDA Missile Systems; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking a Senior Algorithm Engineer to work with a skilled technical team. You will develop systems for missile Guidance & Control and collaborate on innovative projects. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in aerospace guidance and control systems, and should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities. The role supports a dynamic working environment with competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Bonus of up to 21% of base salary

Maximum pension contribution of up to 14%

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aerospace guidance, control, navigation, and algorithms.
• Ability to define engineering problems and set clear requirements.
• Experience in diagnosing system abnormalities.
• Interest or experience in flight control applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in Guidance & Control design and systems analysis.
• Influence design and testing of missile systems.
• Collaborate across departments on projects from research to flight trials.

Skills

Aerospace guidance

Control systems

Navigation algorithms

Real-time systems

Verification and validation

Clear communication

Problem-solving

Matlab

Simulink

Job description

The Senior Algorithm Engineer role in GCN (Guidance, Control, and Navigation) is a highly visible, strategic position, working with a highly capable technical team. This role offers a rare opportunity for hands-on technical involvement, research, and strategy steering, without line management duties.

Salary: Up to £65,000, 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: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• 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: Including subsidised meals, free parking, and more

The opportunity:

As a Senior Algorithm Specialist, you will develop expertise from detailed Guidance & Control design to higher architectural levels, demonstrating rigorous system analysis and complexity management. You will influence design and testing of missile Guidance & Control systems, involving algorithms, real-time architecture, RF & IR seekers, sensors, actuators, propulsion systems, and platform interfaces. You will collaborate across departments, directorates, and national boundaries, engaging in projects from early research to flight trials.

What we're looking for from you:

• Theoretical knowledge and extensive experience in aerospace guidance, control, navigation, algorithms, real-time systems, and verification
• Ability to define engineering problems clearly and set unambiguous requirements
• Managing complexity by identifying key system drivers
• Cross-verification of systems and models against underlying theory
• Clear communication of complex ideas
• Diagnosing system abnormalities via physical and virtual models (Matlab & Simulink)
• Technical influence within teams
• Interest or experience in flight control applications is a plus but not essential

Our company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation committed to supporting armed forces and defending sovereignty. We value diversity and encourage open communication and support throughout our recruitment process.

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