MBDA UK
Filton, Gloucestershire
Jan 30, 2026
Full time
Bristol We have an opportunity to join our Seeker Design Department as an Electro-Optical Design Engineer, supporting us in the design, development and delivery of some of the most cutting-edge Electro-Optical Seekers, sensors and optical systems available! Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on experience Dynamic (hybrid) working: typically, a minimum of 3 days per week on-site, due to workload classification Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. 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. What we can offer you: Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year) Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14% Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements 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 Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more . The opportunity: We are responsible for supporting MBDA's complex weapon programmes through the provision of specialist Electro-Optical Sensor design support. Depending on the programme this will vary from specification and assessment through to delivery and support. We also lead and conduct industry-leading cutting-edge R&D activities to support future emerging programmes. The nature of the work is broad, varied and dynamically changing. You will work within a multi-disciplinary, highly skilled and experienced team that will support you in delivering our commitments. We will work with you to develop your skill, knowledge and experience, as well as supporting your ongoing professional development, all while ensuring a good work-life balance. The successful applicant will join our specialist optical design team within the Electro-Optics Systems group. You will be responsible for working with our customers and stakeholders across a range of, conducting engineering activities, regularly engaging with colleagues from a number of engineering disciplines; for our electro-optical systems, with a specific focus on optical design aspects. However, the role is not purely focused on optical design but will also involve activities in across the broader electro-optical systems adjacent engineering disciplines. as well in order to ensure the most balanced solution possible to meet our customer's needs. What we're looking for from you: Design and development of imaging and non-imaging Electro-Optical imaging systems. Optical and opto-mechanical design, including performance modelling, alignment and tolerancing. Using optical design tools such as Zemax or equivalent. Understanding of the physics of optical radiation, propagation and detection, in particular in the infra-red wave-bands. Have a proven track record of on time delivery particularly in a dynamic working environment. Able to engage with a broad range of partners and forge strategic technical relationships. Be adaptable, self-starting and able to work both independently and as part of a wider design team. Desirable but not essential: Usage of Engineering Tools such as Jira, IBM EWM and DOORS Next, Matlab and Simulink. Experience in designing optical and mechanical elements within CAD tools such as PTC Creo. Experience in designing and developing laser-based optical systems. Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given 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. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability 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. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.