The wider WSE (Weapon System Equipment) team is responsible for managing groups of equipment and Weapon System sub‑systems from the bidding stage, through concept and requirements development, into production, delivery and final integration. The team provides technical leadership and project support to ensure products are delivered to the required performance, cost and schedule targets throughout their lifecycle.
Salary: Circa £46,000 depending on experience.
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2‑3 days per week on‑site due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. Upon offer, 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 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 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: option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more
The opportunity
Land Ceptor is MBDA's Ground Based Air Defence System, currently in service with UK and Polish customers. The programme supports ongoing series production at the Bolton facility and the continued development of new capabilities and customer‑driven enhancements. This role sits within the Land Ceptor Physical Design team and offers exposure across the full product lifecycle.
Launcher Physical Architect – Core responsibilities
- Define, maintain and manage the Land Ceptor Launcher build definitions within the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system.
- Ensure product definition data is released and controlled in line with programme schedules and delivery milestones.
- Manage engineering changes, change notices and problem reports to support production, development and customer requirements.
- Support non‑conformance management activities for both production and in‑service equipment.
- Maintain the integrity of the product configuration as new developments, upgrades and contract changes are introduced.
- Work closely with UK and Italian Configuration Management teams to ensure products are configured in accordance with company processes and governance.
- Take ownership of specific hardware assemblies, maintaining their technical baseline and supporting their ongoing development.
- Support the development and evolution of requirements in response to customer, programme and business needs.
- Collaborate with MBDA IT and cross‑functional teams to support the delivery of key contractual commitments.
- Work with manufacturing teams in Bolton to understand build requirements, resolve configuration issues and support production activities.
- Provide technical support in response to customer queries and in‑service issues.
What we're looking for from you
- Experience of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Configuration Management or Design Definition processes.
- Experience supporting the delivery of complex engineering products within a regulated or technically challenging environment.
- Knowledge of mechanical assemblies and systems incorporating hydraulic and electrical equipment.
- Strong organisational, prioritisation and communication skills.
- Experience providing technical support to products in production and/or service.
- Experience contributing to product development and engineering change activities.
- Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes and best practice.
- Aptitude for understanding requirements management at system, subsystem or component level.
- Knowledge of hardware design, manufacture or integration processes.
- Experience supporting non‑conformance investigations and resolution activities.
- Awareness of project planning tools such as Primavera P6.
- Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders.
- Experience working across geographical teams (UK and Italy) is advantageous.
