Algorithm Design Engineer - Navigation

MBDA S.A.S.; Bagstone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus up to 2,500

Pension up to 14%

Overtime paid

Flexi Leave 15 days

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Site facilities

Job summary

MBDA is seeking an Algorithm Design Engineer - Navigation in Gloucestershire to develop and evaluate advanced navigation algorithms for guided weapon systems. The role involves R&D, testing and integration across MBDA's Guidance, Control and Navigation teams.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or strong mathematical degree with software experience, including MATLAB, and will contribute to algorithm design, evaluation and validation activities within a dynamic engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Ideally PhD qualified and with relevant industrial experience or Degree with a strong mathematical content e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
• Previous demonstrable programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification and navigation experience
• Strong programming skills are required including MATLAB
• Relevant experience with the state-of-the-arts navigation algorithms, Navigation Algorithm design, comparative evaluation and testing is a strong advantage

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate navigation algorithms as part of MBDA's Guidance, Control and Navigation systems
• Support various stages of algorithm lifecycle from research to in-service upgrades
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate algorithms into weapon system products

Skills

Navigation algorithms

Real-time implementation

MATLAB

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Algorithm Design Engineer - Navigation

Date: 2026-10-17

Location: Gloucestershire

Country: GB

Postal Code: BS37 7NE

Application Deadline: 2026-11-17T10:00:55.123

About the Role

Our Algorithm Design Engineers work on fast-moving projects to develop and evaluate Navigation Algorithms, involved in researching, developing, testing and evaluating algorithms as part of wider systems :

• Up to 55,000, depending on experience
• Dynamic (hybrid) working: 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.

What We Can Offer You

• Company bonus: Up to 2,500 (based company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

The Opportunity

The Navigation Algorithm Design Engineer will be part of a dynamic team within the Guidance, Control and Navigation (GCN) department, where you will get the opportunity to work across a range of contract and research activities that impact multiple areas of deliveries within MBDA. Navigation algorithms are central to the design and development of MBDA's complex guided weapon systems products. This role will help you understand how GCN supports our weapon system products and gain insight into a number of related disciplines with whom we have a high level of interactions.

Algorithms are developed at many stages of the lifecycle, including:

• Research studies, both externally and internally funded, to investigate algorithms for future developments
• Algorithms to support initial missile feasibility and concept studies
• Algorithms in support of assessment and development programmes
• Algorithms to support upgrades for in-service products

What We're Looking For

• Ideally PhD qualified and with relevant industrial experience or Degree with a strong mathematical content e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
• Previous demonstrable programming, real-time implementation, validation & verification and navigation experience
• Strong programming skills are required including MATLAB
• Relevant experience with the state-of-the-arts navigation algorithms, Navigation Algorithm design, comparative evaluation and testing is a strong advantage

About MBDA

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 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

Location: Bristol

Type: Full time