Technical Lead - RF Effects

Sparkworks / Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Effects and Vulnerability group have a vacancy for a technical lead. In this role, the successful candidate will work in the relevant RF DEW area, providing guidance, expertise and strategic leadership in conjunction with the group head.

Job Title: Technical Lead - RF Effects

Salary: up to £65,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Bristol (we may be able to offer a relocation package for this role)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically, 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.

DV clearance required

The opportunity:

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Vulnerability and Effects is the part of MBDA Sparkworks which determines the effectiveness of novel weapons. This role is specific to the RF part of the group.

RF-DEW V&E engineers develop mathematical models and simulations to predict the effectiveness of a RF weapon system on a target.  Data gathered from trials and experiments investigating the effects is used to calibrate and evolve these models, and outputs from the simulations are interpreted to understand the effects on a particular target.

In this role, the successful candidate will lead all aspects of complex technical projects, which are deemed critical to the success of emerging RF DEW technology, leading small teams across several contracts ranging from Internally Funded Research and Development, to industry partnered studies and specific contracts. There is a strong element of interfacing with the customer to elicit and translate customer requirements into concrete activities.  Ideally, this role will also contribute significantly to the creation and winning of new business in the area.

This role is an exciting combination of technical oversight, traditional technical work and strategic leadership. A typical day may contain direct customer contact, planning, coding, and other technical work such as design considerations and reviewing legacy material. Decision making and assimilating contextual information is a key part of this role.

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent technical skills; a background within statistics is advantageous
• Experience in the use and development of tools, simulations or algorithms in MATLAB or similar toolsets
• An appreciation of "trading requirements" to optimise overall design
• Great attention to detail from a technical and/or interpersonal standpoint
• Willingness to learn and an attitude supporting continuous improvement
• An understanding of the important of delivering on time, cost and quality
• A willingness to grow as a leader of high-performing teams
• Eligibility and willingness to become DV cleared immediately

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Statistical data analysis
• An understanding of the principles of Directed Energy
• Planning and supporting conduct of trial activities
• Project management, objective setting, review processes
• Direct or indirect line management, or technical management

Interested? Apply now!

Our company:

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.

What we can offer you:

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• 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…
• Training and Development: Excellent career progression, training and career development opportunities

Our Business:

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.   MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity 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. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

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