
Graduate Programmes
Really Feel Part of Something
Graduate Programmes Overview
APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2024 PROGRAMME ARE NOW OPEN - CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Our graduate programmes are a great opportunity for you to discover a career in national security. Most programmes take place over two years, where you’ll complete 4 x 6-month placements: 3 in your specialist area and 1 elsewhere in the business. Our finance programme runs over three years to give you an in-depth insight on how we operate.
You’ll be supported to challenge yourself, to ask questions and to build a valuable network. Our rotational placements enable you to grow and get real hands-on experience. We’ll also provide you with everything you need to reach your potential, including career advice, bespoke training and even the chance to earn professional qualifications.
Starting in September, our graduate programmes have a starting salary of £30,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus (which is paid in your first months salary). With access to a range of other benefits on top of this, there's no better way to start your career.
Training and Development
Inductions
When you first start at MBDA, you’ll have a pre-joining virtual event, where you can meet the team. On day one of your programme you'll be onsite for a full day induction, you’ll then have a further two days of induction to make sure you’re set up with all you need to know! Later in the year, you’ll have another two-day event with the chance to network with key stakeholders across your site.
Health and Safety training
All you need to know to keep you safe and well in work.
Technical Foundation Course (for those in Technical roles/depts.)
As part of this course, you’ll be introduced to the processes and technology we use to design, develop and manufacture missile systems.
Year 1 - Nationally run one week course where various functions describe how their department contributes to the build of a missile system.
Year 2 - International course either in London or Paris with a focus on group project work and how the business operates makes profit.
Generation Healthy Minds Masterclass Series and Boost Sessions
Run with our partners at Gen H Minds, these sessions will ensure you have the tools and strategies to support your mental and physical health. In your first year, you’ll have the opportunity to attend two face-to-face Healthy Minds Masterclasses as well as strategic virtual Booster Sessions.
Career Development Workshop
This workshop is designed to help you take ownership of your career and design a path suited to you. It will help you to understand the Company Talent Strategy, as well as know how your personality type, career drivers and priorities might influence the path you take. We help you plan your personal development pathways at MBDA, so you know who to speak to and how to influence conversations about your future. You’ll have the chance to practice and refine your interview techniques and ask questions of a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Graduate Development Workshops- N-DEV-R
Run with our Partners The Dove Nest Group, a full development workshop series spanning a virtual briefing, followed by a five-day residential, two virtual follow up sessions and your Charity Presentation session. A great chance to get to know yourself and your Graduate colleagues better.
STEM & Outreach
There are plenty of activities you can get involved in, such as events like Robot Rumble, careers fairs and school/university talks. These will aid your personal development, such as communication, mentoring and presentation skills as well as help to inspire future generations to consider a career in Engineering.
Benefits & Rewards
Annual Bonus
Annual Bonus
Every year in February, we reward our dedicated employees with an annual bonus. Exact amounts and percentages will vary by job grade and on business performance. This can be discussed/explained further with a member of the Resourcing team during your application process.
We are proud to say that we were able to award our annual bonus to employees even through tough economic times in recent years, when other employers were less fortunate.
25 Days Annual Leave (plus holiday purchase)
25 Days Annual Leave (plus holiday purchase)
Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, in addition to all statutory and public holidays.
This increases to 26 days after 10 years of service and 27 days after 30 years. You can enjoy more time off by purchasing up to an additional five days holiday through payroll.
Dynamic Working
Dynamic Working
We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policies allow individuals great levels of flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Depending on your role and function, this may include options for paid overtime, dynamic leave (time in lieu) and more.
When applying, please check the job advert for details, then make sure to discuss what to expect with your recruiter.
Enhanced Parental Leave
Enhanced Parental Leave
We recognise that having or adopting a child is a significant life event for our employees and as a family friendly employer we offer a range of enhanced family leave provisions to support employees before, during and after a period of leave.
Our 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.
We also offer 2 weeks enhanced pay for paternity leave, and neonatal care leave for up to 12 weeks where a period of extended hospital care is required after birth. Employees also have access to support whilst undergoing fertility testing and treatments.
Discounts and Vouchers
Discounts and Vouchers
We offer a choice of two dining and lifestyle cards so you can save money at restaurants, cinema, days out and more as a member. You will have access to hundreds of discounts and rewards on a wide range of retailers, restaurants and entertainment options.
Our rewards portal also offers access to a range of cashback benefits and discounted purchases with partner retailers.
Gym Memberships
Gym Memberships
Keep fit for less with our on-site gym located at Stevenage, without breaking the bank.
We also offer discounted fees at over 3,500 gyms nationwide, with memberships paid via payroll.
Pension Scheme
Pension Scheme
Our MBDA Retirement Savings Plan is a 'Defined Contribution' plan in the Mercer Master Trust, administered by Scottish Widows.
The standard contributions are 4% of an employee's base salary and 6% employer contributions. You can increase both employee and employer contributions by up to 2%.
Share Incentive Plan
Share Incentive Plan
The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is available for you to join and reinforces our commitment to long-term share ownership amongst our employees.
Free Financial Advice
Free Financial Advice
We know money matters in life, so we want to make sure our employees are both paid what they deserve, and also have access to resources that can help them plan for the future.
Through selected partnerships, we offer a range of free seminars, held throughout the year, to help you make good financial decisions for now and the future.
Extracurricular Learning Budget
Extracurricular Learning Budget
You can receive up to £150 towards the cost of approved courses each year including group language lessons.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and Dental Insurance
Cover you and your family with the option to select our six levels of dental cover. You can choose to visit NHS or private dentists and the cost is deducted through payroll.
We've teamed up with AXA PPP to offer a selection of private healthcare plans, deductible from your net pay, for you and your family.
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Assistance Programme
Our employees' wellbeing is our priority. That's why everyone at MBDA UK can access free, confidential advice on a range of financial, personal and workplace issues, available 24/7.

Application Process
MBDA People
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