Technical Lead - Sparkworks

MBDA S.A.S.; West of England; Hybride; GBP 59 000 - 72 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Company bonus up to 21%

Pension up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Facilities: subsidised meals & free on

Car parking

Healthcare Cash Plan

Résumé du poste

MBDA in Bristol seeks a Technical Lead for the Sparkworks programme to drive RF directed energy weapon development. You will lead a multi‑domain team performing electromagnetic modelling, electrical architecture assessments, testing and design activities to inform RF DEW development.

You will partner with the Design Lead to make design decisions, conduct trade studies, and take accountability for project management and budgetary control in a dynamic, hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Responsabilités

• Lead the Technical Lead within the Sparkworks programme team delivering RF DEW system development.
• Direct a multi‑domain team to perform electromagnetic modelling, electrical architecture assessment, test and design activities.
• Collaborate with the Design Lead to make design decisions and run trade studies.
• Own project management and budgetary responsibilities to ensure delivery milestones are met.

Connaissances

High power RF systems

Electrical & electronic architecture

Electromagnetic modelling

RF testing

Design for EMC

Formation

Physics / Electrical Engineering / Aeronautical Engineering degree

Description du poste

Technical Lead - Sparkworks

Date: October 9, 2026

Location: Bristol, Bristol, GB, BS1 5

Company: MBDA

Closing Date: January 9, 2027, 07:00:46

Company Overview

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 and Benefits

• 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

• 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 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.

Summary

Location: Bristol

Type: Full time

#s1-Gen

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 65,000depending on experienceDynamic (hybrid) working: up to 5 days per week on-site due to workload classificationSecurity Clearance: British CitizenRestrictions 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 salaryPension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangementsEnhanced 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 treatmentsFacilities: Fantastic site facilities ...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 ...

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 EMCExperience in leadership and fostering collaboration in teamsEducated to degree level in either Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or a related engineering or scientific disciplineExperience in Project Management and the planning of tasks/activitiesWillingness to undertake DV clearance

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a givenMBDA 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.

SummaryLocation: BristolType: Full time