Technical Lead - Sparkworks

MBDA UK; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 21%

Pension up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Site facilities

Healthcare cash plan

Job summary

MBDA UK is seeking a Technical Lead for the Sparkworks programmes team in the RF Directed Energy Weapons domain. You will lead a multi-domain team, perform electromagnetic modelling, and drive electrical architecture assessments to inform RF DEW design and development.

You will work closely with the Design Lead, taking responsibility for technical leadership, project management, and budget oversight in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment.

Qualifications

• Proof of delivery in engineering development activities.
• Experience leading and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree-level education in a relevant engineering/science field.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF DEW design activities and deliverables.
• Conduct electromagnetic modelling and architecture assessment.
• Guide trade studies and design decisions with the Design Lead.
• Manage project scope and budget with accountability.

Skills

High power RF systems

Electrical & electronic architecture

Electromagnetic modelling

RF testing

Design for EMC

Leadership

Project management

DV clearance willingness

Education

Physics degree

Electrical Engineering degree

Aeronautical Engineering degree

Related engineering or scientific discipline

Job description

Sparkworks is a specialist team that develop cutting-edge solutions, particularly in the RF and Laser Directed Energy Weapons, and Low Observable Technologies. High demand from various partners across the armed forces community makes this an interesting time to join our team!

Salary: Circa £65,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: up to 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen 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: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• 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.

The opportunity:

• As a Technical Lead within the Sparkworks programmes team you will play a crucial role in the RF Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) domain, leading the delivery of activities to develop RF DEW systems.
• Working as part of the RF DEW programme team you will lead a multi-domain team to conduct electromagnetic modelling, electrical architecture assessment, test and design activities to inform RF DEW design and development.
• Working closely with the Design Lead to make design decisions and conduct design trade studies.
• This role requires strong leadership qualities to lead the technical team, whilst also being accountable for project management and budgetary management.
• This is a challenging and exciting role in a growing domain for MBDA providing an opportunity to work on truly innovative and world class technology.

What we're looking for from you:

• We are looking for someone with a proven track record in delivering engineering development activities.
• Proficient in at least one of the following: High power RF systems, electrical and electronic architecture, electromagnetic modelling, RF testing, design for EMC
• Experience in leadership and fostering collaboration in teams
• Educated to degree level in either Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a related engineering or scientific discipline
• Experience in Project Management and the planning of tasks/activities
• Willingness to undertake DV clearance

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. What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets. Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.