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- Tasks: Join the DragonFire project to develop cutting-edge laser systems for Royal Navy warships.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that shapes the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or industry experience in laser technology with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Apply to be part of the groundbreaking DragonFire project, delivering the first laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) onto Royal Navy warships.
Key Offerings
- Salary: Up to ÂŁ53,000, depending on experience/grade
- Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week onsite, 2 days remote
- Security Clearance: British or dual UK national, with HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks required
Benefits
- Company bonus up to £2,500 (performance‑based)
- Pension – maximum total contribution up to 14%
- Paid overtime opportunity
- Flexi Leave – up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working arrangements welcome
- Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks maternity, adoption, shared parent, with additional paternity, neonatal, fertility assistance
- Excellent site facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking, etc.
- Healthcare Cash Plan – cash back on everyday healthcare expenses
Role Overview
With the award of the DragonFire contract, MBDA will deploy the first ever Laser Directed Energy Weapon onto Royal Navy warships within the next two years. We need flexible, motivated, and technically astute candidates to develop DragonFire into a world‑class, deployable LDEW air‑defence system. Responsibilities include requirements, design, performance analysis, and certification across systems engineering domains.
Required Qualifications
- PhD or industry experience in system‑level laser technology development.
- Deep knowledge of laser physics and optics with capability to influence design of cutting‑edge laser systems.
- Strong communication skills: ability to mediate technical issues, explain complex concepts to all levels, from senior management to non‑technical stakeholders.
- Ability to build excellent working relationships with partners, customers, and internal teams.
- Passion for problem‑solving, persistence, and commitment to high‑quality results.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with high‑power laser technology / laser systems.
- Requirements analysis, specifications, and justification.
- Systems proving, design assurance, and certification.
- Experience developing complex systems, preferably in defence.
- Functional design support with requirement flow‑down through system, sub‑system, and equipment levels.
- Experience with system architecture tools such as DOORS/DOORS NG/Rhapsody.
Company
MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting armed forces and governments in defending freedom. We champion diversity and inclusion through employee‑led networks covering gender equality, pride, disability, etc.
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology – Defence and Space Manufacturing
Laser Systems Engineer in Bristol employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laser Systems Engineer in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at MBDA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to interview, make sure to highlight your experience with laser technology and systems engineering. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results. We love a good success story!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your laser physics and optics knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss complex concepts and how they apply to the role. We want to see your passion for problem-solving and your ability to communicate technical details clearly.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the MBDA team and contributing to exciting projects like DragonFire.
We think you need these skills to ace Laser Systems Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laser Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with laser technology and systems engineering, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that align with the DragonFire project.
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 skills can contribute to the groundbreaking work at MBDA. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to explain complex concepts clearly in your application. This will show us that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us, so we can review it promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Laser Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of laser physics and optics. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can influence the design of cutting-edge laser systems. This is your chance to show off your technical skills!
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since strong communication skills are key, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would explain your work to someone without a technical background. This will help you connect with everyone from senior management to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Passion
Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced and how you tackled them. Highlight your persistence and commitment to high-quality results. This will demonstrate your passion for problem-solving, which is crucial for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build excellent working relationships with partners, customers, and internal teams. Be ready to share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. This will show that you're not just technically astute but also a team player.
