Laser Direct Energy Weapon Engineer

Overview

MBDA seeks LDEW engineers to help deliver the first Laser Directed Energy Weapon onto Royal Navy ships within two years. You will operate at the intersection of laser physics and systems engineering, translating advanced science into a rugged, deployable weapon system. You’ll shape requirements, oversee design certification, and drive full lifecycle integration with a dedicated LDEW team. The role offers high-visibility impact in national defense and a dynamic, hybrid work environment in Bristol.

Pay / Benefits

• Company bonus up to 2500
• Pension up to 14% total contributions
• Overtime opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave
• Healthcare Cash Plan

Responsibilities

• Refine requirements and perform performance analysis for the LDEW system
• Oversee design certification and system integration across the lifecycle
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate laser physics into an operational weapon
• Engage with stakeholders to communicate complex technical concepts clearly
• Support trades and optimisation to deliver a high-quality, deployable system
• Work within security and defence context to ensure compliance and safety

Key requirements

• PhD or significant industry experience in laser technology at a system level
• Profound understanding of laser physics and optics
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Experience in system capability trades and optimisation
• Defence or mission-critical systems background is advantageous

• Excellent communication
• Problem-solving persistence
• Stakeholder management
• Laser technology at system level
• High power laser knowledge
• System engineering and integration

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