DragonFire Integration and System Validation Engineer

DragonFire is looking for a highly motivated Integration and System Validation Engineer to support delivering a groundbreaking Laser Directed Energy Weapon system into service. The candidate will undertake various integration and proving activities required to demonstrate to the customer that the weapon system is ready for rapid deployment to theatre.

Job Title: DragonFire Integration and System Validation Engineer

Please note: Automatic promotion is not guaranteed.

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2 days per week on-site, due to team engagement.

The opportunity:

DragonFire is a boundary-pushing weapon system development programme that, as a result of several highly publicised successful trial activities, has been accelerated to deliver a deployable Laser Directed Energy Weapon capability to the Royal Navy.

The Project is looking for dynamic and motivated candidates to develop DragonFire into a world-class, deployable air defence system. Our ambitious plans involve parallel and interleaved streams of cutting-edge technology experimentation and rapid weapon system development. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Integration and System Validation (ISV) team supporting the DragonFire project. The ISV team has successfully delivered three demonstration trials of this technology. Now there is an opportunity to join the team to support ongoing demonstration, platform integration, and qualification trials.

The role of DragonFire ISV Engineer will be required to support the development, refinement, and implementation of the DragonFire System Proving Strategy. Due to the dynamic nature of the project, the candidate will be required to support various aspects of the proving programme, taking on responsibility for delivery of specific packages of work that will be defined as the proving strategy matures. These work packages will focus on ensuring the equipment is tested to a level suitable for release to the customer while balancing their need for an urgent “minimum deployable capability.” Strong linkages with other members of the cross-functional MBDA engineering team such as System Design, Weapon System Equipment, WSSE, Environmental and EMC will be required to ensure a suitable holistic proving approach is adopted that balances schedule, cost, and risk. In addition, the candidate will be involved in maintaining and preparing the current generation of experimental hardware for ongoing data gathering trials that will be used to inform the future equipment design.

The wider ISV team, reporting to the DragonFire Chief Systems Proving Engineer, is made up of engineers with backgrounds in both experimental/concept weapon system development and conventional weapon/missile system delivery. You will be joining a team that is passionate about delivering cutting-edge technology into our customers’ hands and regularly pull together to overcome the technical challenges we encounter. The ongoing live firing trials activities will require a significant level of support across the team; therefore, there will be opportunities to participate in these groundbreaking events.

What we're looking for from you:

Above all, the candidate should be highly motivated to deliver under strict time pressures to a high standard of quality. They should be a “self-starter” with the ability to progress work given an initial direction and the willingness to “raise their hand” when support is needed.

The candidate should have experience of running a technical work package, ideally with a focus on proving activities. In particular, demonstrable experience of the following is highly desirable:

• Verification & validation activities.
• Production of work package plan/schedule, including identification of key milestones.
• Reporting against work package plan/schedule.
• System Design tool suite (e.g. DOORS NG, ALM, ETM etc.).
• Working with/coordinating other Functions within MBDA.
• Authoring technical reports.
• The ability to effectively communicate complex topics e.g. through the production of coherent presentation material.

Experience of LASER systems is highly desirable but not essential.

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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