Aerodynamics Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation is offering an Undergraduate Placement for an Aerodynamics Engineer in Bristol, starting in September 2026. This opportunity allows students to apply their university knowledge to real-world aerospace projects. The role involves working with experts in missile design and aerodynamics, with a focus on teamwork and security. Ideal candidates are pursuing a relevant engineering degree with a keen interest in aerodynamics and propulsion.

Benefits

Company bonus based on performance

Pension contributions up to 14%

Paid overtime opportunities

25 days annual leave plus options to purchase more

Flexi Leave of up to 15 additional days

Subsidised meals and free parking

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a relevant Degree.
• Relevant modules include Aerodynamics and Propulsion.

Responsibilities

• Work on missile aerodynamics and related technologies.
• Collaborate with aerodynamicists on real-world projects.

Skills

Aerodynamics knowledge

Propulsion modules

Fluid Dynamics

Thermodynamics

Mathematics

Education

Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics

Job description

Aerodynamics Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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.

Salary: £23,495

Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 4+ 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. 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 ON 5 JANUARY 2026 (subject to application volumes).

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, that allows you to apply your university learning to real-world projects and technologies
• 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

The opportunity

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:

• Application and development and use of our bespoke tools alongside commercial software to evaluate the performance of airframes
• Design of a range of missiles, in all the different stages of their development (concept, assessment, development, in-service)
• 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.
• Gain a feel for MBDA and the type of work that we undertake.

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.

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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