Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 committed to 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, with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with excellent career growth and employee-led networks promoting diversity.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Stevenage employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MBDA on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role. Understand the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. We want to see you shine when discussing ground trials and environmental data gathering!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss past challenges you've faced in fast-paced environments. We love candidates who can adapt and think on their feet, especially in technical roles like this one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MBDA team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Ground Trials Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical and climatic trials, and show us how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love proactive problem solvers! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. This will help us see your adaptability and innovative thinking.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to communicate your skills and experiences. We appreciate effective communicators who can convey their thoughts efficiently.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨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 you've used in the past and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them practically.
✨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 highlight your proactive problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing progress reporting or resource planning. This will demonstrate your ability to convey priorities and expectations efficiently.
✨Be Ready for a Dynamic Discussion
Expect the interview to be dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the programme. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage changing requirements and options during trials. Showing that you can remain calm and adaptable under pressure will set you apart.
