Aerodynamics Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bristol is offering a Summer Placement 2026 for an Aerodynamics Engineer. This placement provides hands-on experience in missile design and aerodynamics. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in relevant engineering fields, particularly with knowledge in aerodynamics and propulsion-related modules. The role includes a hybrid working setup and offers a competitive salary, mentorship, and various benefits. Apply by January 5, 2026.

Benefits

Pension contributions up to 14%

Subsidised meals

Opportunity for paid overtime

5 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a relevant engineering degree.
• Modules in aerodynamics and propulsion are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design missiles during different stages of development.
• Apply bespoke tools to evaluate airframe performance.
• Integrate missile systems onto various platforms.

Skills

Knowledge of fluid dynamics

Understanding of thermodynamics

Aircraft performance analysis

Control systems

Education

Degree in Aerospace engineering

Degree in Mechanical engineering

Degree in Physics

Job description

Aerodynamics Engineer - Summer Placement 2026

Work in one of the most exciting areas of the aerospace industry, alongside a team of outstanding aerodynamicists at the forefront of missile aerodynamics.

Salary: £23,495 pro-rated

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4-5 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: MIDNIGHT 5 JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

What we can offer you

• 10 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

This placement 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.

You will be able to draw on knowledge and experience from specialist aerodynamics engineers. 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 are able to provide outstanding opportunities across a wide range of applications.

Receive mentorship and support from our team of aerodynamicists to learn to use cutting-edge aerodynamic techniques; designing the missiles of the future!

Undertake a placement seeking to expose you to some of 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 foster 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.

The project selected for you will utilise much of the knowledge gained during your university course and apply this to an industry specific problem. In the past there have been a mixture of self-contained projects delivering industry relevant conclusions to the aerodynamic team.

What we're looking for from you

• Currently studying towards a Degree in an Aerospace engineering, Aeronautical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Production/Manufacturing engineering, Mathematics or Physics discipline.

• 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.

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.

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