At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in developing the first-ever Laser Directed Energy Weapon for the Royal Navy.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to protecting freedom and sovereignty.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that transforms cutting-edge technology into real-world applications.
- Qualifications: PhD or significant experience in laser technology with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 47700 - 58300 £ per year.
The award of the DragonFire contract marks a turning point in UK naval warfare. MBDA is now tasked with a historic goal: deliver the first-ever Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) onto Royal Navy warships within the next two years. MBDA is looking for LDEW engineers to work on one of the most talked-about projects in the UK defence sector.
Salary: Circa £53,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 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. 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: DragonFire isn't a long-term research project, it is a race to deployment. We are looking for technically astute, driven engineers to help transform DragonFire from a successful prototype into a world-class, deployable air defence system. If you want to see your work move from the lab to the deck of a warship in record time, this is where you belong.
You will sit at the critical intersection of laser physics and systems engineering, not just analysing data, but helping to architect the future of Naval air defence. The immediate challenge of this role will be to ensure that the cutting-edge science of LDEW is translated into a rugged, reliable, and certified weapon system. Its focus will span the full lifecycle: from refining requirements and performance analysis to overseeing design certification and final system integration and you’d be joining a dedicated team of LDEW specialist scientists and engineers, ready to play a key role in a project with immense strategic importance to the Royal Navy and the MoD.
Who we’re looking for:
- You hold a PhD or have significant industry experience in laser technology at a system level, ideally with high power lasers.
- You have a profound understanding of laser physics and optics and the desire to use that knowledge to influence the design of a world-first technology.
- With a rare blend of technical expertise and effective communication skills, you’re able to take complex laser and optics concepts and explain clearly at all levels, from senior stakeholders to junior team members, from technical experts to non-technical stakeholders.
- You’re persistent, passionate about problem-solving and able to perform system capability trades to optimise a high-quality product, driven by the satisfaction of seeing a complex system actually work in the real world.
- A background in defence or the development of complex, mission-critical systems would be advantageous.
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.
Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer in Bristol employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in the UK, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its workforce through various employee-led networks and opportunities for continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer role you’re after at MBDA.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at MBDA a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at MBDA.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer at MBDA, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at MBDA a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to MBDA specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with MBDA, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like MBDA want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
