Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026
At MBDA, we are continuing to grow our world leading missile data link capability. We have a number of exciting opportunities within our Data Link Systems organisation working from research, through the early concept phase, to full product design and production programmes.
Salary: £23,495 pro-rated
Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 2-3 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.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 5TH JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)
What we can offer you10 week placement: starting June 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
Annual Leave: 5 days
Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
The opportunity
You'll be working with cutting edge Radio Frequency (RF) based missile communication systems. The Data Link Systems department is responsible for the performance of the RF communications links between our missiles and the platforms they are launched from, whether air, sea or land. Robust data links are vital to MBDA's customers as they are a key part of ensuring mission success.
As a Radio Frequency Systems Engineer in our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of products, each presenting different technical challenges. We cover the whole product life cycle, from Research and Development in communication technologies, system concepting and design through to product test and verification where our communications systems are proven to work reliably in the most demanding of environments. You'll have the opportunity to be involved in a broad range of technical work, including:
Requirements engineering
System design
Performance modelling
Product testing
Researching novel techniques for next generation communication systems
Electronic warfare
Missile survivability through stealth and electromagnetic modelling
Digital Signal Processing
Waveform design
Message protocols using the OSI model
Software defined radio
You'll be part of a team of committed and collaborative individuals, where team events and socials help to build stronger relationships. Our approachable team are on hand to offer support to help you get the most out of your role – collaboration and innovation are not just buzz words here! Because of the nature of the work we do, you'll also get to work with other departments across the wider technical community, as well as external customers and suppliers.
Some of the benefits of joining this team are:
Excellent opportunities for personal development
Access to a vast array of training and opportunities to learn directly from experts in the field
Ability to apply technical knowledge to influence the direction of technologies and projects
Experience products at different phases of the product lifecycle
Diverse range of roles available creating varied and stimulating work
What we're looking for from you
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 (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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