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- 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 Of The Role Are
- 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 Bristol employer: The Engineer UK
Contact Detail:
The Engineer UK 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 projects and values, especially around ground trials and environmental data gathering. This will help you tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role requires quick thinking and adaptability, consider doing mock interviews or case studies related to ground trials. This will help you articulate your thought process during the actual interview.
✨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 team at MBDA. Let’s get you that Ground Trials Lead position!
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Trials Lead - Environmental Data Gathering in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in ground trials and environmental data gathering. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We love candidates who are passionate about complex challenges and can demonstrate their proactive problem-solving skills. Share examples of how you've tackled tough situations in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Engineer UK
✨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. Be prepared to explain complex ideas simply and ensure you can convey your decision-making process. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MBDA's Values
Understand MBDA's mission and values, especially their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a meaningful impact.
