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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ground trials activities and manage environmental data gathering for innovative defence projects.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while tackling complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical and climatic trials preferred; strong communication skills essential.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal growth and diverse employee-led networks.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Overview
Bristol
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 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: 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 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
An opportunity has arisen for a Ground Trials Manager within the Integration and Missile Validation function. Reporting to the Chief Systems Proving Engineer (CSPE), you will be responsible for the management and delivery of all ground trials activities throughout the next phase of development. This will include trundle trial, environmental data gathering and robustness activities. You will be a key senior member of the programme, leading the ground trial activities as well as having the opportunity to support all ISV activities across the programme including functional integration and flight trials. You will interface with different project customers and stakeholders and will be required to have a hands-on and practical approach in the planning and conduct of proving activities. Due to the fast-paced nature of the programme you will be required to have a pragmatic approach to trials activities as requirements and options will change rapidly.
Key responsibilities of the role:
- Define, lead and manage the ground trials activities including environmental, mechanical and trundle trials.
- Ensure accurate instrumentation, repeatable test configurations, and disciplined data capture.
- Work closely with system design teams and integration facilities to define activities and ensure completion within tight programme timescales.
- Working with non-engineering functions to manage the external to MBDA programmes: contracts and progress, reqts, test compliance, schedule etc.
- Management and Oversight of trials conduct process adherence (PTCC, TRR, Trials Conduct) etc.
- Work Package Management responsibility for the packages of work delegated from the CSPE.
- Establish and maintain working groups for Assurance and trials delivery stakeholder groups.
What we are looking for from you:
Due to the stage of the programme, we are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is agile and adaptable. The role would suit someone who is:
- A competent ground trials lead who can deliver an appropriate balance of technical delivery, strategic programme management and people/resource management.
- Decisive, adaptable and calm under pressure.
- Able to make decisions, sometimes without complete information.
- A proactive problem solver who can anticipate challenges, take initiatives to address these, and can adapt solutions as new information appears.
- Passionate and enjoys complex challenges.
- An innovative, creative and practical thinker who can shape how proving is done in the future.
- An effective communicator, able to communicate decisions, priorities and expectations efficiently and clearly.
We are also looking for the following experience and skills:
- Experience in mechanical and climatic trials or tests is preferable.
- Good understanding of test methodologies for the conduct of ground trials for a weapon system.
- Familiarity using general commercial Lab test equipment.
- Familiarity using data analysis tools/methods.
- An appreciation of electronics technologies and the sorts of products that MBDA design and produces would be an advantage.
- Communication skills, especially progress reporting, facilitating investigations and resource/facility planning.
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.
Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Bristol employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at MBDA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand MBDA's mission and values, and think about how your skills align with the Ground Trials Lead position. Practise common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a fast-paced environment like MBDA, being able to demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated change or tackled unexpected challenges will set you apart. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate this.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Ground Trials Lead role. Highlight relevant experience in mechanical and climatic trials, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an effective communicator, it's crucial to convey your thoughts clearly. In your application, make sure to articulate your ideas well, especially when discussing your previous roles and responsibilities. We love candidates who can communicate efficiently and clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to find all the details you need about the role and our company culture. Plus, we’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Trials Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ground trials, especially mechanical and climatic tests. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies and how they apply to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also lead discussions on them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. Think about times when you had to make decisions with limited information and how you adapted your approach as new data came in. This will demonstrate your proactive problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics. You might be asked to explain your decision-making process or how you manage stakeholder expectations, so being concise and clear is key.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Given the dynamic nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you handle changing requirements and priorities. Share examples of how you've successfully adapted to shifting demands in previous roles, showcasing your agility and adaptability.
