Weapon System Equipment Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2027
The Weapon System Equipment (WSE) team is responsible for managing groups of equipment and Weapon System sub-systems from the bidding stage, into the concept & requirements generation phase, through their development programme, and on to production & delivery and final integration onto the platform or launcher.
Salary: £24,460
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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Monday 4th January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
- 1 year placement: Starting September 2027, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
- Perform well on your placement and you could secure a graduate role before your final year
- Company bonus: 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
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- 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:The WSE team serves as the critical "conduit" of the business, a central point of contact bridging the gap between complex technical engineering and the customers who rely on our solutions. They work across various domains (Land, Naval, and Air) and across the product lifecycle—from early-stage "road mapping" of future ideas to the physical design and delivery of equipment.
You'll experience an environment where collaboration is the key to success. Working alongside colleagues in procurement, electronics, software, and other engineering disciplines, you will help ensure our products are fit for purpose, delivered on time, and built to the highest standards.
Typical WSE activities include:
- Sub-System & Equipment Requirements generation and management
- Technical management of equipment development, production and delivery to meet Customer milestones
- Managing state-of-the-art equipment and hardware development trials
- Developing equipment policies and technical standards to improve capability
This placement will give you:
- A supportive environment: Access to a dedicated support network and bi-weekly check-ins, ensuring you are never alone as you navigate your career. You'll be mentored by previous graduates who have walked the same path.
- High-visibility experience: The confidence to communicate across all levels of the business, from collaborating with software and safety experts to presenting solutions to chief engineers.
- Rotational versatility: The chance to move through diverse placements—such as solving technical queries for customers, owning the physical design of a subsystem with suppliers, or road-mapping the future of our capabilities.
- Opportunity for Travel: Work with internal and external stakeholders from visits to other MBDA sites in the UK and across Europe, to customer and supplier visits where required.
- Development opportunities: Access to training and placements to support development across the engineering spectrum, from mechanical to electrical and beyond, alongside business management skills.
- Professional ownership: If you are proactive and eager to go after things, you will be given the trust and space to take ownership of your projects.
You do not need to come from a traditional engineering background to succeed in this role. Whether your degree is in Engineering, Physics or Maths we value the unique perspective and problem-solving skills you bring.
What we're looking for from you:Current undergraduateworking towards a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science.
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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