Functional Integration Lead - Defence Equipment

Location: Hertfordshire

The opportunity:

An opportunity has arisen for a Functional Integration Lead within the Integration and Missile Validation function. Reporting directly to the Chief Systems Proving Engineer (CSPE), you will be responsible for owning and leading the day-to-day delivery of functional integration and system verification activities through this next phase, including all Compat and Software Integration activities.

In the immediate term, the role will focus upon sub system integration, introducing updates to the system following on from the initial demonstration programme, as well as introducing new sub-systems and updates, for example the telemetry solution, into the OWEs ahead of flight trials.

As the programme develops, the role will evolve to become focused on the strategy of the integration of the spiral development options and investigating the introduction of HWIL to the functional integration activities.

You will be a key senior member of the programme, leading the integration and functional proving activities as well as having the opportunity to support all ISV activities across the programme including ground and flight trials.

You will interface with different project customers and stakeholders and will be required to have a hands-on and practical approach in the planning and conduct of proving activities. You will therefore need a deep knowledge of system and subsystem functionality and behaviours, alongside a proactive, dynamic and diligent work ethic.

Key Responsibilities of the role are:

Plan and deliver integration and verification/proving activities to meet programme milestones and support certification/clearance for trials and operations.

Translate system/subsystem requirements into comprehensive integration/proving strategies

Lead integration campaigns ensuring adherence to procedures and safety requirements

Provide programme governance for integration and verification - approve test plans, major risk mitigations, and final readiness for trials/certification

Own resource planning, competence development and recruitment for the Functional Integration team, aligning capability to programme demand

Liaise with suppliers and test facilities, present integration progress, test results and issues confidently and clearly to customers and programme leaders.

What we're looking for from you:

Due to the stage of the programme, we are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is agile and adaptable, and is ready to take on this challenge. The role would suit someone who is:

A competent engineer who can deliver an appropriate balance of technical delivery and strategic programme management.

Decisive, adaptable and calm under pressure

Comfortable with uncertainty with a willingness to take calculated risks

Able to make decisions, sometimes without complete information

A proactive problem solver who can anticipate challenges, take initiatives to address these, and can adapt solutions as new information appears

Passionate and enjoys complex challenges

An innovative, creative and practical thinker who can shape how proving is done in the future

An effective communicator, able to communicate decisions, priorities and expectations efficiently and clearly.

We are also looking for the following experience and skills:

Experience in test/integration activities is preferable

Good understanding of hardware/software integration and test activities

Understanding of the PX4 software architecture.

Familiarity using general commercial Lab test equipment.

Familiarity using data analysis tools/methods.

An appreciation of electronics technologies and the sorts of products that MBDA design and produces would be an advantage.

Salary:
Circa £50,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 5 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance:
British Citizen.

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