Aerodynamics Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in Bristol seeks a graduate for a 2-year aerodynamics programme. Candidates will engage in missile design through various departmental placements while gaining exposure to cutting-edge techniques. A minimum 2:2 degree in Engineering or related field is required, along with relevant modules in aerodynamics. This role offers a salary of £31,500, hybrid working, and extensive career development opportunities.

Benefits

Salary reviews throughout the Programme

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus options to purchase additional days

Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in an Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
• Relevant modules in Aerodynamics and propulsion.
• Willingness to undertake placements both internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Undertake four 6-month placements in various aspects of the department.
• Work on missile design and development.
• Participate in personal and professional development courses.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Fluid Dynamics

Thermodynamics

Education

Degree in relevant engineering disciplines (minimum 2:2)

Job description

Undertake four 6‑month placements giving exposure to the various aspects of the department, seeking to expose you to the following areas:

• Design of a range of missiles, in all the different stages of their development (concept, assessment, development, in‑service)
• Application and development of our bespoke tools alongside commercial software to evaluate the performance of airframes
• Stealth, propulsion, thermal and structural aspects of missile design and how these feed into a multi‑disciplinary design approach
• Missile integration onto land, naval and air platforms
• Integration of solid rocket motors and air‑breathing engines into missile airframes, and assessment of their impact on missile aerodynamics and overall performance

Participate in personal and professional development courses run specifically for graduates and gain technical knowledge from a vast number of company‑led internal technical courses alongside many Chartered Engineers from a number of professional bodies. One of the six‑month placements can be external to MBDA. Past graduates have arranged external placements at such companies as Rolls‑Royce, BAE Systems, DSTL, ARA, S&C Thermofluids and Roxel Motors. These placements help to gain an understanding of customers and supplier workflows and how they feed into MBDA products. MBDA is a multinational company with offices across Europe; there may be opportunities to travel both within the UK and abroad.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in an Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production/Manufacturing Engineering, Mathematics or Physics discipline (minimum 2:2).
• Aerodynamics and propulsion based modules are most relevant to this role (such as Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Aircraft Performance, Flight Dynamics & Control etc.). Please list any that you have studied on your application.

This scheme offers an excellent opportunity to kick‑start your aerodynamics career. Work in one of the most exciting areas of the aerospace industry, alongside a team of outstanding aerodynamicists at the forefront of missile aerodynamics. 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.

Offer

• Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
• Location: Bristol, Dynamic (Hybrid). Working: 5 days per week on site due to workload classification. This role requires on‑site working in Bristol for the majority of the time due to security considerations and teamwork. However, we will try to accommodate a limited amount of remote working where there are opportunities to do so.
• 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.
• All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
• Programme: 2‑year Programme starting September 2026.
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme.
• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (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.
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more.

Role & Responsibilities

The aerodynamics department at MBDA works on the entire MBDA UK portfolio of products, from concept phase through to in‑service support. As a key player in the UK defence industry, we can provide outstanding opportunities across a wide range of applications. You'll be able to draw on knowledge and experience from specialist aerodynamics engineers. Receive mentorship and support from our team of aerodynamicists to learn to use cutting‑edge aerodynamic techniques; designing the missiles of the future!