Defence Equipment Project Engineer - Laser Systems

Our client is seeking a Weapon System Equipment Project Engineer to support the development of DragonFire, a pioneering Laser Directed Energy Weapon system within the defence and security sector. This permanent role will focus on the acceptance, delivery, final assembly, integration and testing of the Laser Source sub-system, helping to develop a world-class deployable air defence capability.
Working within a specialist engineering team, you will collaborate with external partners, project managers and systems engineers to manage technical interfaces, deliver work packages and support the integration of complex electro-optical-mechanical equipment into the wider weapon system. The role operates on a dynamic hybrid basis, with regular on-site working required due to the nature of the workload.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing technical and programme interfaces with external partners
• Supporting the acceptance and delivery of the Laser Source through final assembly, integration and test
• Supporting the functional integration of the Laser Source within the wider weapon system and sub-system definition
• Developing technical statements of work, deliverables and acceptance criteria with third-party suppliers
• Leading technical work packages alongside experienced project managers
• Monitoring progress, identifying technical risks and supporting effective mitigation activities
• Proactively engaging stakeholders and building productive working relationships
• Contributing to the continued technical development and evolution of the DragonFire programme

Job Requirements:

• Experience in project engineering, systems integration or complex sub-system delivery
• Knowledge of optics, lasers and optical systems
• Understanding of electro-optical-mechanical equipment and integration activities
• Experience working with third-party suppliers and managing technical deliverables
• Ability to develop and manage technical statements of work
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead technical work packages and balance technical risks effectively
• Structured approach to project development, acceptance, integration and test

Additional Information:

• Dynamic hybrid working, with two to three days per week on-site according to workload classification
• Applicants must be British citizens or dual UK nationals with British citizenship
• Nationality and right-to-work restrictions may apply
• Successful applicants will be required to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks after offer

Benefits:

• Company performance-related bonus scheme
• Employer-supported pension provision
• Opportunities for paid overtime
• Up to 15 additional days through a flexi-leave scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental and neonatal leave
• Subsidised meals, free on-site parking and excellent site facilities
• Healthcare cash plan covering areas including optical, dental, health and wellbeing

If you are an experienced Project Engineer with expertise in optics, lasers, systems integration or complex defence and security programmes, apply now to support the development of advanced Laser Directed Energy Weapon systems.