Lead Verification and Validation Engineer in Bristol

Come and work on DragonFire - MBDA's new Laser Directed Energy Weapon that we are developing for the Royal Navy!

Salary: Circa £57,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3-4 days per week on-site, due to access to secure networks and test facilities (some remote working is possible)

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:

A critical component of DragonFire is the Command and Control (C2) system that integrates the different components of the weapon system together, provides digital integration of the weapon system to the ship's systems and sensors, and provides the operator with the means to plan and execute laser engagements. Reporting to the Head of C2, you will be responsible for leading subsystem verification activities, including planning, conducting, analysis and reporting on subsystem verification activities, working jointly with the C2 software and Proving teams. This role will reward individuals who enjoy seeing a project through to delivery of capabilities into the Royal Navy, with some hands-on testing of products, resolving complex problems and understanding how complex systems work.

You will:

• Work in a fast-paced environment, aiming to deliver a new capability into the UK Royal Navy by the end of 2027, setting the foundations for future LDEW evolutions and opportunities.
• Design functional test setups, scenarios and specify the necessary test methodology to meet the requirements of complex use case / test cases.
• Support trials readiness reviews, ensuring all test hardware, software, and facilities are prepared and all aspects, including safety, are assessed and documented.
• Manage and configure subsystem proving trials, ensure integrity and accuracy of data and results in a rapidly changing environment.
• Be hands-on in supporting the physical test setup and work-up of design aid proving, robustness and formal qualification tests using real hardware test rigs in our dedicated labs.
• Record and meticulously analyse trial data to support the verification that the system meets its stringent requirements.
• Articulate test data and results to support the product's development and verification and wider stakeholder understanding of the product/design.
• Provide critical data and reports to support the formal clearance and certification of our products for use.
• Work closely with the software and Proving teams, ensuring seamless coordination and information flow throughout the integration and proving activities.

What we're looking for from you:

• A practically minded and hands-on engineer with a passion for integrating and testing hardware and software.
• A solid understanding of subsystem verification and qualification approaches.
• Familiarity using general, commercial lab test equipment.
• A keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to planning, executing, and documenting technical activities.
• Communication skills to effectively interface with design, software, test equipment and systems teams.
• Familiarity using data analysis tools and methods with complex technical data.
• An inquisitive nature and a creative approach to problem-solving to derive logical solutions, particularly in complex and challenging scenarios.
• A dynamic and proactive individual who can manage their workload.
• Someone who is looking for a new challenge/opportunity, with a growth mindset and ability to shape, improve and progress test and proving approaches and methodologies.
• Higher education or strong knowledge in: Electronics, Electrical, Engineering, Software or similar.

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.

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