Calibration & Maintenance Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bolton is seeking a Calibration & Maintenance Engineer who will collaborate on various engineering projects. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and possess hands-on engineering skills for diagnostic tasks. This hybrid role offers a salary of £31,500, a joining bonus, and excellent career progression opportunities, including comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus flexibility

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Engineering (minimum 2:2).
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills required.
• Ability to diagnose faults and implement process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with engineers in various placements.
• Engage in hands-on tasks with Test & Process Equipment.
• Author technical instructions and publish drawing packs.

Skills

Hands-on engineering skills

Fault diagnosis

Technical documentation

Collaboration with teams

Education

Degree in Engineering or Physics/Mathematics

Job description

Overview

As a Calibration & Maintenance Engineer, you'll collaborate with experienced engineers across the UK. Working on a range of technologies, including electronics, optics, and RF, your hands‑on approach combined with office‑based technical work will see you play a pivotal role in delivering outstanding manufacturing standards. Calibration & Maintenance (C&M) is part of our Operations directorate, covering different aspects of support for all equipment used for both product manufacture and test.

C&M Engineers work closely with several collaborative functions such as Product Design, Test Equipment Design, Test Engineering and Quality Assurance to support our key customer; Manufacturing Operations. During your time in C&M you will rotate through different teams and may have the opportunity to work within the following areas:

• Electronic Engineering – Bespoke Test Equipment commissioning & repair
• Environmental & Mechanical Test Engineering – ESS & Pressure Test Equipment
• Electrical Calibration – Bespoke Test Equipment & Commercially off the Shelf TE
• Calibration – Mechanical Calibration – Positioner systems, alignment TE etc.
• Maintenance Engineering – Process & Mechanical Equipment commissioning & repair

In each placement you will be working with a team of engineers with varied experience and expertise, working together to support a set of equipment. Daily activities are varied and may see you working hands‑on with equipment on the shop floor and in the lab, as well as in the office on technical documentation and drawings. Our work involves diagnosing and fault‑finding on Test & Process Equipment and analysing fault‑related data. You could also get involved in authoring instructions and specifications, or drafting and publishing drawing packs. Process improvements are standard, and with innovation being one of our values you’ll get to introduce new equipment into manufacturing.

Qualifications

Degree qualified in Engineering (incl. General, Mechanical, Manufacturing/Production, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Civil, Electrical/Electronic and Software) or Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computing or Applied Science to a minimum of 2:2.

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 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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: £31,500 plus a £3,000 joining bonus. 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.

• 2‑year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (based on company performance)
• 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 more

Additional Information

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