Sparkworks Technical Project Lead

The Opportunity

Low Observability Technologies are experiencing keen interest from across the customer community in both conventional and novel stealth applications, making this a really exciting and interesting time to join the LO team.
We are looking for team players and leaders to join the existing team at a time of growth, with potential to benefit from opportunities in technology development, trials delivery and engineering management in the context of cutting-edge and world-leading technology. We are working on pre-concept and concept phase solutions with ambitious aims over the coming few years to further consolidate the UKs leading position.
Our activities are multi-disciplinary and include a breath of activities including Sparkworks-specific technologies as well as engagement into RCS engineering for the FC/ASW concepts; the work particularly suits engineers who are comfortable working across modelling, electronics, mechanical, materials, systems and vehicle integration; potentially specialising in one or more of these areas.
 
What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced scientist or engineer with the following attributes:

• Proven experience of planning and delivering complex technical programmes
• Ability to step-back from day to day aspects, view the bigger picture context and navigate a successful course through complex and changing requirements
• Adaptability & willingness to deal with fluidity in fast-paced environments
• Able to judge when attention to detail is needed and to apply it
• Enjoys both working independently and drawing upon the skills from a team
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and often from “a blank sheet of paper”
• Comfortable with managing and co-ordinating inputs from a multi-disciplined team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, backed by working knowledge of Office software
• Candidates must either hold DV (Developed Vetting) clearance, or be willing to undertake the process once working at MBDA
• A candidate who additionally possesses several of the following attributes would be particularly suited to the role:
• Ideally holding a higher degree (e.g. Masters or PhD) in a physics or engineering discipline
• An awareness of well-known computer simulation codes (such as PSPICE, Matlab, CST MWS, COMSOL)
• An appreciation for environmental and mechanical challenges in defence environments
• Prior Low Observability or antenna experience
• Hands-on practical / laboratory skills
• Higher levels of security clearance

 
What’s in it for you?

• Interesting and exciting work, giving you the opportunity to work on some truly innovative and world-class technology
• Work on projects varying from a few weeks duration to several years with potential for exposure to high-profile, fast-paced projects
• Opportunities to manage projects through their full lifecycle, from bid to customer delivery
• Opportunities to develop new skills through interaction with specialist areas within MBDA
• Opportunities to grow within the team whilst gaining experience of new areas (technical, project management, systems engineering, trials)
• Excellent training opportunities in a broad range of relevant subjects; achieved through formal training courses and/or on-the-job training
• Opportunities to gain visibility for you and your work at the highest levels both inside and outside the company
• Having a varied “day-job”

 
What would you get?

Competitive salary, flexible working, paid overtime (subject to level), a comprehensive pension scheme, employee funded voluntary private healthcare, sporting activities, fantastic site facilities, bonus schemes (subject to level), superb learning and development opportunities and more….
 
The Role

The role will be scoped to best match individual’s strengths, interests and aspirations; with a focus on the technical leadership and oversight of all programmes aspects. The role will include ensuring the delivery of a technically complex and ambitious programmes of work, including:

• Programme and work-package planning; defining, overseeing and supporting key contributions
• Customer interactions, stakeholder engagement & internal & external progress reporting
• Overseeing trials preparations and supporting lab activities
• Supplier engagement and management
• Providing project and Team leadership
• Cost and budget oversight
• Contributing to bid activities

 
What’s great about the team?

• Undertaking this role you would be joining a dynamic, diverse, passionate team responsible for the development of our future business & world leading technologies.
• Working with skilled, supportive and motivated colleagues, with a drive to deliver future technologies and a desire to see them benefit defence
• Ready-access to in-house expertise to supplement knowledge
• Opportunity to attend international conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field
• Access to a large laboratory suite supported by state-of-the-art test equipment.
• Contribute to wider activities, supporting senior management with high-level VIP visits and demonstrations
• The chance to exploit innovative and novel techniques in the development of the company’s future portfolio.

 
Please Note: MBDA UK requires all employees to achieve and maintain SC security clearance or above without restrictions that will inhibit the individual’s ability to fulfil the requirements of the role. Your eligibility for the appropriate level of security clearance may be discussed with you during the recruitment process. Any existing clearance holders may be able to transfer clearance (subject to approval).
 
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