Overview

Join to apply for the Systems Engineer - Summer Placement 2026 role at MBDA.

Salary: £23,495 (pro rata)

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: Where possible, we will seek to accommodate a blended approach to on-site and remote working. To ensure you get the most from this placement you would be expected to be on site at least 3 days per week.

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. After offer stage, successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks (MBDA Personnel Security Team).

Closing date: Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).

What We Can Offer

• 10 week placement: starting June 2026, applying 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: site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The Opportunity

Working within one of our Systems Design functions, you will be involved in concepting, designing, delivering and supporting the latest Complex Weapons capabilities for the UK and partner nation Armed Forces in response to advanced threats in all domains (Air, Land, Sea).

You will complete a placement based on a project that could be at any stage in a range of areas, from future capabilities to in-service products. Through the placement, you’ll understand the make-up of a missile or weapon system, from the warhead to the seeker to the wider weapon system components.

These placements will enable you to understand the Systems Engineering “V” model across the whole product lifecycle – including:

• Researching future technologies and novel domains
• Developing requirements and functional architectures
• Creating concept solutions
• Analysing performance and supporting trade-off studies
• Managing interfaces and integration of systems and sub-systems
• Proving and certification activities at Weapon and Missile system level
• Learning about technologies and customer needs associated with specific products or capabilities

Across the Systems Engineering domain, you’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of technologies, engineering methodologies, and customer needs. There is also opportunity to engage with internal and external customers. This role suits those who enjoy the creativity and practicality of solving problems to arrive at logical solutions.

Our Systems Design function will support you to become a fully integrated member of the team with the opportunity to assume increasing responsibility. We offer varied roles with the ability to choose placements based on interests and skills. The role is varied and fast-paced – Innovation is a company value we practice most. MBDA teams work with people across engineering fields and business teams, meeting suppliers and customers and engaging with international MBDA colleagues. There is also the potential to travel within the UK and internationally.

What We’re Looking For

Currently studying for a degree in Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Technology or Computing.

Our Company

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 towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage applicants to speak to us about any advice, support or adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process. We also support employee networks, including Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more.

Follow MBDA on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Training
• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

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