Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer
// Role Summary
Join MBDA in a historic mission to equip Royal Navy warships with the UK's first Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) within two years. Drive this cutting-edge project from prototype to deployment and shape the future of naval defence.
// Key Responsibilities
- Pioneer the UK's first Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) for Royal Navy warships.
- Work on a high-profile, rapidly deployable defence project with strategic importance.
- Apply laser physics and systems engineering expertise to a world-first technology.
- Contribute to the full system lifecycle: requirements, analysis, design certification, and integration.
- Benefit from a dynamic working environment with opportunities for paid overtime and flexible leave.
// Role Specification
The Opportunity
The DragonFire contract award signifies a monumental shift in UK naval warfare. MBDA is embarking on a landmark mission: to deploy the inaugural Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) onto Royal Navy warships within the next two years. We are actively seeking LDEW engineers to contribute to one of the UK defence sector's most prominent projects.
DragonFire is not a protracted research endeavour; it is an urgent race towards deployment. We are in search of technically adept and driven engineers to transition DragonFire from a successful prototype into a premier, deployable air defence system. If you aspire to witness your work progress from the laboratory to the deck of a warship at an unprecedented pace, this is your opportunity.
You will operate at the crucial nexus of laser physics and systems engineering, not only analysing data but actively architecting the future of naval air defence. The immediate challenge involves translating the cutting-edge science of LDEW into a robust, dependable, and certified weapon system. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire lifecycle, from refining requirements and performance analysis to overseeing design certification and final system integration. You will join a dedicated cadre of LDEW specialist scientists and engineers, poised to play a pivotal role in a project of immense strategic significance to the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence.
Who We're Looking For
You possess a PhD or substantial industry experience in laser technology at a systems level, ideally with expertise in high-power lasers. A profound understanding of laser physics and optics, coupled with a drive to leverage this knowledge in shaping a world-first technology, is essential.
What We Can Offer You
- Salary: Circa £53,000, commensurate with experience.
- Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: A hybrid model with 3 days per week on-site, necessitated by workload classification.
- Company Bonus: Potential bonus of up to £2,500, contingent on company performance.
- Pension: A maximum total contribution of up to 14% (employer and employee combined).
- Overtime: Opportunities for paid overtime.
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days of flexible leave.
- Flexible Working: We are receptive to applicants seeking flexible working arrangements.
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, with enhancements for paternity leave, neonatal leave, and fertility treatments.
- Facilities: Excellent site facilities including subsidised meals and free car parking.
- Healthcare Cash Plan: Option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses like optical, dental, and wellbeing services.