Complex Warheads: Lethality Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

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

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is looking for an undergraduate Lethality Engineer. You will model missile lethality using MATLAB tools and work on real-world projects while gaining mentorship and experience. The role offers a salary of £23,495 and hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a blend of on-site and remote work. Ideal candidates will have a minimum 2:2 degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computing, or Applied Sciences.

Benefits

Company bonus

Pension contribution up to 14%

Paid overtime

25 days annual leave plus additional options

Subsidised meals and free car parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree qualification required.
• Interest in modelling lethal performance of missile systems.
• Ability to work independently or in teams.

Responsibilities

• Predict lethal performance of missile systems.
• Provide knowledge in weapon lethality and warheads.
• Collaborate with MBDA departments across Europe.

Skills

Modelling

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computing or Applied Science

Tools

MATLAB

CAD

Job description

Overview

Complex Warheads: Lethality Engineer - Undergraduate Placement 2026

Are you interested in modelling the lethal performance of MBDA's Complex Weapon Systems? We are seeking an undergraduate to join our niche group of engineers, enabling MBDA to provide world leading defence capabilities for our home Nations and Allies.

Salary and Working Arrangements

• Salary: £23,495
• Dynamic (Hybrid) Working: 3-4+ days on-site initially, with a blended on-site/remote arrangement as you gain experience. Full-time on-site is also possible.
• Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. BPSS checks after offer stage.
• Closing date: Midnight on 5 January 2026 (subject to application volumes).

What we can offer you

• 1 year placement: starting September 2026, applying university learning to real-world projects
• Company bonus: based on company performance (varies year to year)
• Pension: up to 14% total employer and employee contribution
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus option to purchase extra holiday
• Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days
• Facilities: site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more

The opportunity

The Complex Warheads Centre of Excellence is a coordinated team across Stevenage, Bolton and Paris. Their role is to:

• Act as the company's design authority for warheads.
• Predict the lethal performance of various missile systems.
• Provide knowledge in warheads, explosives, target detection and weapon lethality.

The Lethality team in Stevenage primarily undertakes modelling of missile terminal engagement, target detection, warhead detonation and lethal performance prediction.

Joining MBDA offers the chance to develop knowledge in missile lethality across areas not typically found in academia.

With support and mentorship, you'll apply a custom set of modelling tools to evaluate lethal performance of developing and future missile systems against targets. Our in-house tools are MATLAB-based; other tools such as CAD or finite element codes may be used.

You will be encouraged to work independently or in small teams with limited supervision on tasks spanning weeks to months, with some projects involving collaboration with other MBDA departments in Europe.

What we're looking for from you

Degree qualified in an Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computing or Applied Science discipline to a minimum 2:2.

Our company

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We support Armed Forces and partner with governments to defend freedom. We value employee networks and encourage adjustments during recruitment process.

Follow MBDA on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.