Laser Directed Energy Engineer

Overview

In this role you help turn cutting-edge laser and directed energy concepts into practical, testable solutions. You will work within MBDA’s Lasers team to explore physics-based approaches and validate them through simulations or experiments, contributing to national security capabilities. You collaborate with UK and international partners to push technology beyond conventional boundaries. This is a hands-on, research-driven position with real-world impact at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Company bonus up to 2,500
• Pension contributions up to 14%
• Paid overtime
• Flexi Leave up to 15 days
• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Responsibilities

• Develop and run laboratory experiments to test hypotheses and demonstrate theory in practice
• Create and validate simulations of laser propagation using Matlab or Python
• Design, build and integrate complex experimental setups from scratch
• Engage in field trials to verify performance in real-world conditions
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams and with external partners to define requirements
• Contribute to modelling and experimental work that informs future system concepts

Key requirements

• PhD, Masters, or significant practical experience in Physics/Optics
• Strong foundation in light behaviour and optics
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas and results
• Experience with modelling tools (Matlab, Python, Zemax, LabView) or building experimental setups from scratch
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or photonics sectors

• Curious mindset
• Innovative and able to work without a strict requirements set
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Matlab
• Python
• Zemax

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