Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

MBDA; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bristol seeks a Computer Vision and AI Engineer for their 2026 Graduate Programme. The role involves developing cutting-edge algorithms and research in a hybrid work environment. Ideal for graduates with a STEM degree who want to work on innovative projects. A competitive salary, joining bonus, and excellent career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Joining bonus up to £3,000

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

25 days annual leave plus options for extra holiday

Flexible leave

Paid overtime opportunity

Free car parking

Subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Degree in a related STEM field with a minimum classification of 2.2.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research studies into technological innovations.
• Develop algorithms as part of a product programme.

Skills

Computer Vision

Image Processing

Artificial Intelligence

Python

C/C++

Matlab

Deep Learning

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related STEM discipline

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson products

Pytorch

scikit-learn

ONNX

Simulink

Job description

Overview

Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Engineer - Graduate Programme 2026

Computer Vision and AI Engineers produce world-leading algorithms that use imaging sensors to provide situational awareness, and guide weapons to their target with maximum precision.

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

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 on 3 November 2025

What we can offer you

• 2 year Programme: starting September 2026
• Salary reviews throughout the Programme
• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (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
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…

The opportunity

As a Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence Engineer within the Image Processing UK department, you will play a critical role in the development of MBDA products and technologies. You will be an important member of a department that produces world-leading algorithms that use imaging sensors to provide situational awareness, and guide weapons to their target with maximum precision. We have a detailed understanding of the interaction between missile subsystems and have a direct influence on meaningful design decisions.

Image Processing UK is an innovative, cohesive department where the contributions of each individual have real value. As part of our team you will benefit from an excellent working culture built on individual empowerment and mutual support.

You will be a key team member at an exciting time of growth and opportunity, and have the chance to make a difference from day one. Every day you will work in a supported and motivated team to research and solve problems in an exciting and cutting-edge field.

As part of the graduate programme, you will be involved with many different projects, in a variety of areas within the department. This means that there are endless learning opportunities, and by the end of the programme you will have a broad-range of applicable experience. You will have the opportunity to shape your own work, and future departmental research directions.

Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Utilising Image Processing, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Computational Imaging techniques, to conduct research studies into cutting-edge technological innovations for future products. Examples of applications you might work on include classification, detection, tracking, and pose estimation.
• Developing algorithms as part of a wider product programme; working in collaboration with expert engineers and other graduates from a broad range of fields, and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the weapon’s design and functionality.

Within these tasks, you will have the opportunity to develop skills with the following tools and platforms:

• Matlab and Simulink
• Python
• Deep Learning libraries (e.g. Pytorch, scikit-learn, ONNX)
• C/C++
• Hardware development boards (e.g. NVIDIA Jetson products)

Alongside involvement with departmental activities, you will be part of a wider cohort of graduates on the Early Careers Programme. Benefits from this include receiving ongoing support in the development of your professional career, as well as opportunities for involvement in charity and STEM outreach schemes.

Many projects within Image Processing are international in scope, and can offer the opportunity for European travel and collaboration with French, German and Italian colleagues. All MBDA employees can take advantage of free language training, as well as a wide range of other benefits including retail discounts and share purchase schemes.

What we're looking for

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related STEM discipline to minimum 2.2

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.